Softmax exploration strategies for multiobjective reinforcement learning
- Vamplew, Peter, Dazeley, Richard, Foale, Cameron
- Authors: Vamplew, Peter , Dazeley, Richard , Foale, Cameron
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Neurocomputing Vol. 263, no. (2017), p. 74-86
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Despite growing interest over recent years in applying reinforcement learning to multiobjective problems, there has been little research into the applicability and effectiveness of exploration strategies within the multiobjective context. This work considers several widely-used approaches to exploration from the single-objective reinforcement learning literature, and examines their incorporation into multiobjective Q-learning. In particular this paper proposes two novel approaches which extend the softmax operator to work with vector-valued rewards. The performance of these exploration strategies is evaluated across a set of benchmark environments. Issues arising from the multiobjective formulation of these benchmarks which impact on the performance of the exploration strategies are identified. It is shown that of the techniques considered, the combination of the novel softmax–epsilon exploration with optimistic initialisation provides the most effective trade-off between exploration and exploitation.
- Authors: Vamplew, Peter , Dazeley, Richard , Foale, Cameron
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Neurocomputing Vol. 263, no. (2017), p. 74-86
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Despite growing interest over recent years in applying reinforcement learning to multiobjective problems, there has been little research into the applicability and effectiveness of exploration strategies within the multiobjective context. This work considers several widely-used approaches to exploration from the single-objective reinforcement learning literature, and examines their incorporation into multiobjective Q-learning. In particular this paper proposes two novel approaches which extend the softmax operator to work with vector-valued rewards. The performance of these exploration strategies is evaluated across a set of benchmark environments. Issues arising from the multiobjective formulation of these benchmarks which impact on the performance of the exploration strategies are identified. It is shown that of the techniques considered, the combination of the novel softmax–epsilon exploration with optimistic initialisation provides the most effective trade-off between exploration and exploitation.
Soil methane oxidation in both dry and wet temperate eucalypt forests shows a near-identical relationship with soil air-filled porosity
- Fest, Benedikt, Hinko-Najera, Nina, Wardlaw, Tim, Griffith, David, Livesley, Stephen, Arndt, Stefan
- Authors: Fest, Benedikt , Hinko-Najera, Nina , Wardlaw, Tim , Griffith, David , Livesley, Stephen , Arndt, Stefan
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Biogeosciences Vol. 14, no. 2 (2017), p. 467-479
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- Description: Well-drained, aerated soils are important sinks for atmospheric methane (CH4) via the process of CH4 oxidation by methane-oxidising bacteria (MOB). This terrestrial CH4 sink may contribute towards climate change mitigation, but the impact of changing soil moisture and temperature regimes on CH4 uptake is not well understood in all ecosystems. Soils in temperate forest ecosystems are the greatest terrestrial CH4 sink globally. Under predicted climate change scenarios, temperate eucalypt forests in south-eastern Australia are predicted to experience rapid and extreme changes in rainfall patterns, temperatures and wild fires. To investigate the influence of environmental drivers on seasonal and inter-annual variation of soil-atmosphere CH4 exchange, we measured soil-atmosphere CH4 exchange at high-temporal resolution (< 2 h) in a dry temperate eucalypt forest in Victoria (Wombat State Forest, precipitation 870 mm yr-1) and in a wet temperature eucalypt forest in Tasmania (Warra Long-Term Ecological Research site, 1700 mm yr-1). Both forest soil systems were continuous CH4 sinks of -1.79 kg CH4 ha-1 yr-1 in Victoria and -3.83 kg CH4 ha-1 yr-1 in Tasmania. Soil CH4 uptake showed substantial temporal variation and was strongly controlled by soil moisture at both forest sites. Soil CH4 uptake increased when soil moisture decreased and this relationship explained up to 90 % of the temporal variability. Furthermore, the relationship between soil moisture and soil CH4 flux was near-identical at both forest sites when soil moisture was expressed as soil air-filled porosity (AFP). Soil temperature only had a minor influence on soil CH4 uptake. Soil nitrogen concentrations were generally low and fluctuations in nitrogen availability did not influence soil CH4 uptake at either forest site. Our data suggest that soil MOB activity in the two forests was similar and that differences in soil CH4 exchange between the two forests were related to differences in soil moisture and thereby soil gas diffusivity. The differences between forest sites and the variation in soil CH4 exchange over time could be explained by soil AFP as an indicator of soil moisture status. © Author(s) 2017.
- Authors: Fest, Benedikt , Hinko-Najera, Nina , Wardlaw, Tim , Griffith, David , Livesley, Stephen , Arndt, Stefan
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Biogeosciences Vol. 14, no. 2 (2017), p. 467-479
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Well-drained, aerated soils are important sinks for atmospheric methane (CH4) via the process of CH4 oxidation by methane-oxidising bacteria (MOB). This terrestrial CH4 sink may contribute towards climate change mitigation, but the impact of changing soil moisture and temperature regimes on CH4 uptake is not well understood in all ecosystems. Soils in temperate forest ecosystems are the greatest terrestrial CH4 sink globally. Under predicted climate change scenarios, temperate eucalypt forests in south-eastern Australia are predicted to experience rapid and extreme changes in rainfall patterns, temperatures and wild fires. To investigate the influence of environmental drivers on seasonal and inter-annual variation of soil-atmosphere CH4 exchange, we measured soil-atmosphere CH4 exchange at high-temporal resolution (< 2 h) in a dry temperate eucalypt forest in Victoria (Wombat State Forest, precipitation 870 mm yr-1) and in a wet temperature eucalypt forest in Tasmania (Warra Long-Term Ecological Research site, 1700 mm yr-1). Both forest soil systems were continuous CH4 sinks of -1.79 kg CH4 ha-1 yr-1 in Victoria and -3.83 kg CH4 ha-1 yr-1 in Tasmania. Soil CH4 uptake showed substantial temporal variation and was strongly controlled by soil moisture at both forest sites. Soil CH4 uptake increased when soil moisture decreased and this relationship explained up to 90 % of the temporal variability. Furthermore, the relationship between soil moisture and soil CH4 flux was near-identical at both forest sites when soil moisture was expressed as soil air-filled porosity (AFP). Soil temperature only had a minor influence on soil CH4 uptake. Soil nitrogen concentrations were generally low and fluctuations in nitrogen availability did not influence soil CH4 uptake at either forest site. Our data suggest that soil MOB activity in the two forests was similar and that differences in soil CH4 exchange between the two forests were related to differences in soil moisture and thereby soil gas diffusivity. The differences between forest sites and the variation in soil CH4 exchange over time could be explained by soil AFP as an indicator of soil moisture status. © Author(s) 2017.
Sport and ageing : A systematic review of the determinants and trends of participation in sport for older adults
- Jenkin, Claire, Eime, Rochelle, Westerbeek, Hans, O'Sullivan, Grant, van Uffelen, Jannique
- Authors: Jenkin, Claire , Eime, Rochelle , Westerbeek, Hans , O'Sullivan, Grant , van Uffelen, Jannique
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: BMC Public Health Vol. 17, no. 1 (2017), p. 1-20
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- Description: Background: The global population is ageing. As ageing is often associated with a decline in health, there is a need to further develop preventative health measures. Physical activity can positively influence older adults’ (aged 50 years and older) health. Previous research on the relationship between physical activity and health for older adults has mainly focused on physical activity in general, and not specific types of exercise. Due to the social nature of sport, it may assist in improving physical, mental and social health for older adults. Sport, as a form of physical activity, has not been widely explored as a physical activity opportunity for older adults. This review concurrently explored two research questions: the determinants and the trends of sport participation for community dwelling older adults. Methods: Two parallel systematic searches of nine electronic databases were conducted in December 2015 for the two research questions. English language quantitative and qualitative studies that provided specific results for community dwelling older adults’ sport participation were included and a quality ratings assessment was undertaken. Results: There were 10,171 studies initially identified for the first research question and 1992 studies for the second research question. This culminated in 18 and 8 studies respectively that met the inclusion criteria. The most frequently mentioned determinants of participation were health and using sport to negotiate the ageing process. The most frequently mentioned trends of sport participation were the effect of historical sport participation on current participation, and sport participation across the lifespan. The main themes for both research questions had contrasting results, for example, participation in sport could improve health, but poor health was also a limitation of sport participation. Conclusions: This review demonstrates that older adults are a heterogeneous age group, and therefore require different strategies than other age groups to successfully participate in sport. It is recommended that the main findings from this review are incorporated into specific strategies to develop age appropriate sporting opportunities for older adults, so that sport can be presented as a viable physical activity option for this age group.
- Description: Background: The global population is ageing. As ageing is often
- Authors: Jenkin, Claire , Eime, Rochelle , Westerbeek, Hans , O'Sullivan, Grant , van Uffelen, Jannique
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: BMC Public Health Vol. 17, no. 1 (2017), p. 1-20
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The global population is ageing. As ageing is often associated with a decline in health, there is a need to further develop preventative health measures. Physical activity can positively influence older adults’ (aged 50 years and older) health. Previous research on the relationship between physical activity and health for older adults has mainly focused on physical activity in general, and not specific types of exercise. Due to the social nature of sport, it may assist in improving physical, mental and social health for older adults. Sport, as a form of physical activity, has not been widely explored as a physical activity opportunity for older adults. This review concurrently explored two research questions: the determinants and the trends of sport participation for community dwelling older adults. Methods: Two parallel systematic searches of nine electronic databases were conducted in December 2015 for the two research questions. English language quantitative and qualitative studies that provided specific results for community dwelling older adults’ sport participation were included and a quality ratings assessment was undertaken. Results: There were 10,171 studies initially identified for the first research question and 1992 studies for the second research question. This culminated in 18 and 8 studies respectively that met the inclusion criteria. The most frequently mentioned determinants of participation were health and using sport to negotiate the ageing process. The most frequently mentioned trends of sport participation were the effect of historical sport participation on current participation, and sport participation across the lifespan. The main themes for both research questions had contrasting results, for example, participation in sport could improve health, but poor health was also a limitation of sport participation. Conclusions: This review demonstrates that older adults are a heterogeneous age group, and therefore require different strategies than other age groups to successfully participate in sport. It is recommended that the main findings from this review are incorporated into specific strategies to develop age appropriate sporting opportunities for older adults, so that sport can be presented as a viable physical activity option for this age group.
- Description: Background: The global population is ageing. As ageing is often
Steering approaches to Pareto-optimal multiobjective reinforcement learning
- Vamplew, Peter, Issabekov, Rustam, Dazeley, Richard, Foale, Cameron, Berry, Adam, Moore, Tim, Creighton, Douglas
- Authors: Vamplew, Peter , Issabekov, Rustam , Dazeley, Richard , Foale, Cameron , Berry, Adam , Moore, Tim , Creighton, Douglas
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Neurocomputing Vol. 263, no. (2017), p. 26-38
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- Description: For reinforcement learning tasks with multiple objectives, it may be advantageous to learn stochastic or non-stationary policies. This paper investigates two novel algorithms for learning non-stationary policies which produce Pareto-optimal behaviour (w-steering and Q-steering), by extending prior work based on the concept of geometric steering. Empirical results demonstrate that both new algorithms offer substantial performance improvements over stationary deterministic policies, while Q-steering significantly outperforms w-steering when the agent has no information about recurrent states within the environment. It is further demonstrated that Q-steering can be used interactively by providing a human decision-maker with a visualisation of the Pareto front and allowing them to adjust the agent’s target point during learning. To demonstrate broader applicability, the use of Q-steering in combination with function approximation is also illustrated on a task involving control of local battery storage for a residential solar power system.
- Authors: Vamplew, Peter , Issabekov, Rustam , Dazeley, Richard , Foale, Cameron , Berry, Adam , Moore, Tim , Creighton, Douglas
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Neurocomputing Vol. 263, no. (2017), p. 26-38
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: For reinforcement learning tasks with multiple objectives, it may be advantageous to learn stochastic or non-stationary policies. This paper investigates two novel algorithms for learning non-stationary policies which produce Pareto-optimal behaviour (w-steering and Q-steering), by extending prior work based on the concept of geometric steering. Empirical results demonstrate that both new algorithms offer substantial performance improvements over stationary deterministic policies, while Q-steering significantly outperforms w-steering when the agent has no information about recurrent states within the environment. It is further demonstrated that Q-steering can be used interactively by providing a human decision-maker with a visualisation of the Pareto front and allowing them to adjust the agent’s target point during learning. To demonstrate broader applicability, the use of Q-steering in combination with function approximation is also illustrated on a task involving control of local battery storage for a residential solar power system.
Success in national level junior tennis : Tactical perspectives
- Klaus, Anne, Bradshaw, Ryan, Young, Warren, O’Brien, Brendan, Zois, James
- Authors: Klaus, Anne , Bradshaw, Ryan , Young, Warren , O’Brien, Brendan , Zois, James
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching Vol. 12, no. 5 (2017), p. 618-622
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- Description: Purpose: Point duration in competitive tennis is becoming shorter, highlighting a greater emphasis on performance of the first strokes of each point, in particular, the performance of the server. Methods: Descriptive measures of the video-based analysis included stroke type, point outcome and stroke position of the first two strokes of the server (service and first shot) during 10 randomly selected sets of competition on hard court. All participants (male; n=8) were of the age group 14 years and below and competed in national level events. Results: The performance of the first serve is characterized by an “in-percentage” of 54.6% and an improved chance of winning the point (for the server) following a first serve (55.9%; P<0.001) compared to a second serve (42.9%). The majority of stroke positions for first-shot winners were located in the central zone of the court (52.1%; P<0.01). In comparison to the error rate of all examined strokes, we observed an increased error rate of the first shot (16.5% vs. 22.4%; P<0.01). Conclusion: Contrasting to professionals, juniors produce more first-serve errors and win fewer points directly via the serve. Success in junior tennis relies in minimizing errors within short rallies specifically on the first shot of the server. Coaches of national level junior tennis players should focus on strategies to optimize court position following the serve and service percentage to increase competitive success rate. To achieve this, the server should utilize the serve as a “set-up” tool, dictating the direction of the returner’s return of serve within the central zones of the court. © The Author(s) 2017.
- Authors: Klaus, Anne , Bradshaw, Ryan , Young, Warren , O’Brien, Brendan , Zois, James
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching Vol. 12, no. 5 (2017), p. 618-622
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose: Point duration in competitive tennis is becoming shorter, highlighting a greater emphasis on performance of the first strokes of each point, in particular, the performance of the server. Methods: Descriptive measures of the video-based analysis included stroke type, point outcome and stroke position of the first two strokes of the server (service and first shot) during 10 randomly selected sets of competition on hard court. All participants (male; n=8) were of the age group 14 years and below and competed in national level events. Results: The performance of the first serve is characterized by an “in-percentage” of 54.6% and an improved chance of winning the point (for the server) following a first serve (55.9%; P<0.001) compared to a second serve (42.9%). The majority of stroke positions for first-shot winners were located in the central zone of the court (52.1%; P<0.01). In comparison to the error rate of all examined strokes, we observed an increased error rate of the first shot (16.5% vs. 22.4%; P<0.01). Conclusion: Contrasting to professionals, juniors produce more first-serve errors and win fewer points directly via the serve. Success in junior tennis relies in minimizing errors within short rallies specifically on the first shot of the server. Coaches of national level junior tennis players should focus on strategies to optimize court position following the serve and service percentage to increase competitive success rate. To achieve this, the server should utilize the serve as a “set-up” tool, dictating the direction of the returner’s return of serve within the central zones of the court. © The Author(s) 2017.
Surgical consent and the importance of a substitute decision-maker : a case study
- Gilbert, Julia, Gillespie, Brigid
- Authors: Gilbert, Julia , Gillespie, Brigid
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: ACORN Vol. 30, no. 1 (2017), p. 15-19
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- Description: At law, all individuals are presumed to have the legal capacity to provide consent or refusal of treatment unless there are clinical indications of cognitive impairment. Once concerns are raised regarding the ability of an individual to provide valid consent for a surgical procedure, the use of a substitute decision-maker may be necessary. In this paper, we present an analysis of a clinical case study to illustrate the principles of valid consent. As part of the analysis, we discuss the issues relating to obtaining valid consent for an operative surgical procedure from an elderly client with obvious cognitive impairment. We also explore the role of a substitute decision-maker to obtain the requisite valid consent.
- Authors: Gilbert, Julia , Gillespie, Brigid
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: ACORN Vol. 30, no. 1 (2017), p. 15-19
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: At law, all individuals are presumed to have the legal capacity to provide consent or refusal of treatment unless there are clinical indications of cognitive impairment. Once concerns are raised regarding the ability of an individual to provide valid consent for a surgical procedure, the use of a substitute decision-maker may be necessary. In this paper, we present an analysis of a clinical case study to illustrate the principles of valid consent. As part of the analysis, we discuss the issues relating to obtaining valid consent for an operative surgical procedure from an elderly client with obvious cognitive impairment. We also explore the role of a substitute decision-maker to obtain the requisite valid consent.
Teaching practices among college-based teachers of apprentices.
- Authors: Smith, Erica
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Modern apprenticeships: Widening their scope, sustaining their quality, 7th Research Conference of the International Network on Innovative Apprenticeship; US Bureau of Labor Statistics,Washington; 1-2 October, 201 p. 47-53
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- Description: This paper provides a glimpse into current teaching practices among teachers working with traditional trade apprentices (‘trade teachers’) at Australian public and private providers of vocational education and training (VET), which are known as Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). The research is drawn from a major national study funded by the Australian Research Council, designed to examine the effects of different levels of vocational teachers’ qualifications upon the quality of VET teaching. For this paper, data from trade teachers, in different industry areas, was drawn out from a major survey of VET teachers/trainers, which included questions about their teaching approaches, as well as from focus groups of trade teachers.
- Authors: Smith, Erica
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Modern apprenticeships: Widening their scope, sustaining their quality, 7th Research Conference of the International Network on Innovative Apprenticeship; US Bureau of Labor Statistics,Washington; 1-2 October, 201 p. 47-53
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper provides a glimpse into current teaching practices among teachers working with traditional trade apprentices (‘trade teachers’) at Australian public and private providers of vocational education and training (VET), which are known as Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). The research is drawn from a major national study funded by the Australian Research Council, designed to examine the effects of different levels of vocational teachers’ qualifications upon the quality of VET teaching. For this paper, data from trade teachers, in different industry areas, was drawn out from a major survey of VET teachers/trainers, which included questions about their teaching approaches, as well as from focus groups of trade teachers.
Telomeres, aging and exercise : Guilty by association?
- Chilton, Warrick, O’Brien, Brendan, Charchar, Fadi
- Authors: Chilton, Warrick , O’Brien, Brendan , Charchar, Fadi
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Molecular Sciences Vol. 18, no. 12 (2017), p. 1-32
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- Description: Telomeres are repetitive tandem DNA sequences that cap chromosomal ends protecting genomic DNA from enzymatic degradation. Telomeres progressively shorten with cellular replication and are therefore assumed to correlate with biological and chronological age. An expanding body of evidence suggests (i) a predictable inverse association between telomere length, aging and age-related diseases and (ii) a positive association between physical activity and telomere length. Both hypotheses have garnered tremendous research attention and broad consensus; however, the evidence for each proposition is inconsistent and equivocal at best. Telomere length does not meet the basic criteria for an aging biomarker and at least 50% of key studies fail to find associations with physical activity. In this review, we address the evidence in support and refutation of the putative associations between telomere length, aging and physical activity. We finish with a brief review of plausible mechanisms and potential future research directions. © 2017 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: Chilton, Warrick , O’Brien, Brendan , Charchar, Fadi
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Molecular Sciences Vol. 18, no. 12 (2017), p. 1-32
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Telomeres are repetitive tandem DNA sequences that cap chromosomal ends protecting genomic DNA from enzymatic degradation. Telomeres progressively shorten with cellular replication and are therefore assumed to correlate with biological and chronological age. An expanding body of evidence suggests (i) a predictable inverse association between telomere length, aging and age-related diseases and (ii) a positive association between physical activity and telomere length. Both hypotheses have garnered tremendous research attention and broad consensus; however, the evidence for each proposition is inconsistent and equivocal at best. Telomere length does not meet the basic criteria for an aging biomarker and at least 50% of key studies fail to find associations with physical activity. In this review, we address the evidence in support and refutation of the putative associations between telomere length, aging and physical activity. We finish with a brief review of plausible mechanisms and potential future research directions. © 2017 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
The activities of generalist parasitoids can be segregated between crop and adjacent non-crop habitats
- Feng, Yi, Kravchuk, Olena, Sandhu, Harpinder, Wratten, Stephen, Keller, Michael
- Authors: Feng, Yi , Kravchuk, Olena , Sandhu, Harpinder , Wratten, Stephen , Keller, Michael
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Pest Science Vol. 90, no. 1 (2017), p. 275-286
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- Description: Non-crop habitat adjacent to crops may be important for enhancing the activity of natural enemies in crops. However, it is not always clear whether natural enemies that are active in non-crop habitats actually contribute to pest suppression in adjacent crop habitats. We hypothesised that parasitic wasps that utilise the same hosts can be segregated between crop and non-crop habitats in an agro-ecosystem. We tested this hypothesis using the light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in vineyards and adjacent native vegetation. We experimentally measured the parasitism rate of larval E. postvittana at six and eight sites in both vineyards and the adjacent native vegetation in two consecutive years. Wild larval Tortricidae were also collected at each experimental site to assess their diversity and related parasitoids. Parasitised hosts were then identified using a PCR-based protocol to examine the parasitoids’ host ranges. The parasitoid Therophilus unimaculatus (Turner) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was most active in non-crop native vegetation, whereas Dolichogenidea tasmanica (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) parasitised the most larvae in vineyards. Parasitism of E. postvittana by D. tasmanica was higher on grape than on plantain, which indicates that host plants influence activities in different habitat. Both species shared the same range of tortricid hosts. Overall, our results indicate the two key parasitoids that attack E. postvittana differ in their pattern of habitat use. The native vegetation adjacent to crops may not enhance the activity of some natural enemies for pest control in an agricultural ecosystem. © 2016, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.
- Authors: Feng, Yi , Kravchuk, Olena , Sandhu, Harpinder , Wratten, Stephen , Keller, Michael
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Pest Science Vol. 90, no. 1 (2017), p. 275-286
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Non-crop habitat adjacent to crops may be important for enhancing the activity of natural enemies in crops. However, it is not always clear whether natural enemies that are active in non-crop habitats actually contribute to pest suppression in adjacent crop habitats. We hypothesised that parasitic wasps that utilise the same hosts can be segregated between crop and non-crop habitats in an agro-ecosystem. We tested this hypothesis using the light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in vineyards and adjacent native vegetation. We experimentally measured the parasitism rate of larval E. postvittana at six and eight sites in both vineyards and the adjacent native vegetation in two consecutive years. Wild larval Tortricidae were also collected at each experimental site to assess their diversity and related parasitoids. Parasitised hosts were then identified using a PCR-based protocol to examine the parasitoids’ host ranges. The parasitoid Therophilus unimaculatus (Turner) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was most active in non-crop native vegetation, whereas Dolichogenidea tasmanica (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) parasitised the most larvae in vineyards. Parasitism of E. postvittana by D. tasmanica was higher on grape than on plantain, which indicates that host plants influence activities in different habitat. Both species shared the same range of tortricid hosts. Overall, our results indicate the two key parasitoids that attack E. postvittana differ in their pattern of habitat use. The native vegetation adjacent to crops may not enhance the activity of some natural enemies for pest control in an agricultural ecosystem. © 2016, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.
The association between serum uric acid and blood pressure in different age groups in a healthy Chinese cohort
- Cheng, Wenjuan, Wen, Shiling, Wang, Yutang, Qian, Zhiping, Tan, Yuyao, Li, Hongying, Hou, Yueli, Hu, Haiyang, Golledge, Jonathan, Yang, Guang
- Authors: Cheng, Wenjuan , Wen, Shiling , Wang, Yutang , Qian, Zhiping , Tan, Yuyao , Li, Hongying , Hou, Yueli , Hu, Haiyang , Golledge, Jonathan , Yang, Guang
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medicine (United States) Vol. 96, no. 50 (2017), p.1-6
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1062671
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: High serum uric acid (sUA) has been reported to be a risk factor for hypertension however, whether this is the case for all age groups is not clear. We examined the association between sUA concentrations and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) in different age groups in a cohort of healthy Chinese participants. A total of 1082 healthy participants aged from 41 to 70 years were included. sUA concentration was measured by the uricase-peroxidase method. SBP and DBP were assessed using mercury sphygmomanometry. Hypertension was defined as SBP ≥140 mm Hg or DBP ≥90 mm Hg. Hyperuricemia (HUA) was defined as sUA concentration of >7 mg/dL in men and >6 mg/dL in women. The association between sUA concentration and SBP and DBP was examined using Pearson's correlation test, multivariate linear regression, and logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of hypertension and HUA increased with age (P < .001). Hypertension was more common in participants that had HUA than in those that did not (38.95% vs 30.16%, P = .02). Higher sUA was significantly associated with higher SBP and DBP in the 41- to 50-year-old participants (SBP, β = 0.35, P < .001; DBP, β = .29, P < .001; after adjustment for age, sex, total cholesterol, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and fasting plasma glucose). HUA was also a risk factor for hypertension in this age group (odds ratio 1.425, 95% confidence interval, 1.217-1.668, P < .001). There was no association between sUA concentration and SBP and DBP in the other age groups. In this population of healthy Chinese participants, sUA concentration was positively associated with hypertension only in the 41- to 50-year-old group. Lowering uric acid in this age group may help to reduce the incidence of hypertension.
- Authors: Cheng, Wenjuan , Wen, Shiling , Wang, Yutang , Qian, Zhiping , Tan, Yuyao , Li, Hongying , Hou, Yueli , Hu, Haiyang , Golledge, Jonathan , Yang, Guang
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medicine (United States) Vol. 96, no. 50 (2017), p.1-6
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1062671
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: High serum uric acid (sUA) has been reported to be a risk factor for hypertension however, whether this is the case for all age groups is not clear. We examined the association between sUA concentrations and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) in different age groups in a cohort of healthy Chinese participants. A total of 1082 healthy participants aged from 41 to 70 years were included. sUA concentration was measured by the uricase-peroxidase method. SBP and DBP were assessed using mercury sphygmomanometry. Hypertension was defined as SBP ≥140 mm Hg or DBP ≥90 mm Hg. Hyperuricemia (HUA) was defined as sUA concentration of >7 mg/dL in men and >6 mg/dL in women. The association between sUA concentration and SBP and DBP was examined using Pearson's correlation test, multivariate linear regression, and logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of hypertension and HUA increased with age (P < .001). Hypertension was more common in participants that had HUA than in those that did not (38.95% vs 30.16%, P = .02). Higher sUA was significantly associated with higher SBP and DBP in the 41- to 50-year-old participants (SBP, β = 0.35, P < .001; DBP, β = .29, P < .001; after adjustment for age, sex, total cholesterol, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and fasting plasma glucose). HUA was also a risk factor for hypertension in this age group (odds ratio 1.425, 95% confidence interval, 1.217-1.668, P < .001). There was no association between sUA concentration and SBP and DBP in the other age groups. In this population of healthy Chinese participants, sUA concentration was positively associated with hypertension only in the 41- to 50-year-old group. Lowering uric acid in this age group may help to reduce the incidence of hypertension.
The association between social support and physical activity in older adults : A systematic review
- Lindsay Smith, Gabrielle, Banting, Lauren, Eime, Rochelle, O'Sullivan, Grant, van Uffelen, Jannique
- Authors: Lindsay Smith, Gabrielle , Banting, Lauren , Eime, Rochelle , O'Sullivan, Grant , van Uffelen, Jannique
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Vol. 14, no. 1 (2017), p. 1-21
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The promotion of active and healthy ageing is becoming increasingly important as the population ages. Physical activity (PA) significantly reduces all-cause mortality and contributes to the prevention of many chronic illnesses. However, the proportion of people globally who are active enough to gain these health benefits is low and decreases with age. Social support (SS) is a social determinant of health that may improve PA in older adults, but the association has not been systematically reviewed. This review had three aims: 1) Systematically review and summarise studies examining the association between SS, or loneliness, and PA in older adults; 2) clarify if specific types of SS are positively associated with PA; and 3) investigate whether the association between SS and PA differs between PA domains. Methods: Quantitative studies examining a relationship between SS, or loneliness, and PA levels in healthy, older adults over 60 were identified using MEDLINE, PSYCInfo, SportDiscus, CINAHL and PubMed, and through reference lists of included studies. Quality of these studies was rated. Results: This review included 27 papers, of which 22 were cross sectional studies, three were prospective/longitudinal and two were intervention studies. Overall, the study quality was moderate. Four articles examined the relation of PA with general SS, 17 with SS specific to PA (SSPA), and six with loneliness. The results suggest that there is a positive association between SSPA and PA levels in older adults, especially when it comes from family members. No clear associations were identified between general SS, SSPA from friends, or loneliness and PA levels. When measured separately, leisure time PA (LTPA) was associated with SS in a greater percentage of studies than when a number of PA domains were measured together. Conclusions: The evidence surrounding the relationship between SS, or loneliness, and PA in older adults suggests that people with greater SS for PA are more likely to do LTPA, especially when the SS comes from family members. However, high variability in measurement methods used to assess both SS and PA in included studies made it difficult to compare studies. © 2017 The Author(s).
- Authors: Lindsay Smith, Gabrielle , Banting, Lauren , Eime, Rochelle , O'Sullivan, Grant , van Uffelen, Jannique
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Vol. 14, no. 1 (2017), p. 1-21
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The promotion of active and healthy ageing is becoming increasingly important as the population ages. Physical activity (PA) significantly reduces all-cause mortality and contributes to the prevention of many chronic illnesses. However, the proportion of people globally who are active enough to gain these health benefits is low and decreases with age. Social support (SS) is a social determinant of health that may improve PA in older adults, but the association has not been systematically reviewed. This review had three aims: 1) Systematically review and summarise studies examining the association between SS, or loneliness, and PA in older adults; 2) clarify if specific types of SS are positively associated with PA; and 3) investigate whether the association between SS and PA differs between PA domains. Methods: Quantitative studies examining a relationship between SS, or loneliness, and PA levels in healthy, older adults over 60 were identified using MEDLINE, PSYCInfo, SportDiscus, CINAHL and PubMed, and through reference lists of included studies. Quality of these studies was rated. Results: This review included 27 papers, of which 22 were cross sectional studies, three were prospective/longitudinal and two were intervention studies. Overall, the study quality was moderate. Four articles examined the relation of PA with general SS, 17 with SS specific to PA (SSPA), and six with loneliness. The results suggest that there is a positive association between SSPA and PA levels in older adults, especially when it comes from family members. No clear associations were identified between general SS, SSPA from friends, or loneliness and PA levels. When measured separately, leisure time PA (LTPA) was associated with SS in a greater percentage of studies than when a number of PA domains were measured together. Conclusions: The evidence surrounding the relationship between SS, or loneliness, and PA in older adults suggests that people with greater SS for PA are more likely to do LTPA, especially when the SS comes from family members. However, high variability in measurement methods used to assess both SS and PA in included studies made it difficult to compare studies. © 2017 The Author(s).
The association of Social Anxiety Disorder, Alcohol Use Disorder and reproduction: Results from four nationally representative samples of adults in the USA
- Miloyan, Beyon, Bulley, Adam, Brilot, Ben, Suddendorf, Thomas
- Authors: Miloyan, Beyon , Bulley, Adam , Brilot, Ben , Suddendorf, Thomas
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: PLoS ONE Vol. 12, no. 11 (2017), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) are highly prevalent and frequently co-occur. The results of population studies suggest that SAD tends to precede AUD, and the results of laboratory studies suggest that alcohol use facilitates social behaviors in socially anxious individuals. Therefore, we posited that, in a modern context, a tendency to consume alcohol may be positively selected for among socially anxious individuals by its effect on the likelihood of finding a partner and reproducing. We tested the hypothesis that a higher proportion of individuals with a lifetime diagnosis of SAD and AUD reproduce (i.e., have at least one child) relative to individuals with SAD absent AUD in an individual participant meta-analysis based on over 65,000 adults derived from four nationally representative cross-sectional samples. We then cross-validated these findings against the results of a 10-year follow up of one of these surveys. Lifetime history of SAD was not associated with reproduction whereas lifetime history of AUD was positively associated with reproduction. There was no statistically detectable difference in the proportion of individuals with a lifetime history of SAD with or without AUD who reproduced. There was considerable heterogeneity in all of the analyses involving SAD, suggesting that there are likely to be other pertinent variables relating to SAD and reproduction that should be delineated.
- Authors: Miloyan, Beyon , Bulley, Adam , Brilot, Ben , Suddendorf, Thomas
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: PLoS ONE Vol. 12, no. 11 (2017), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) are highly prevalent and frequently co-occur. The results of population studies suggest that SAD tends to precede AUD, and the results of laboratory studies suggest that alcohol use facilitates social behaviors in socially anxious individuals. Therefore, we posited that, in a modern context, a tendency to consume alcohol may be positively selected for among socially anxious individuals by its effect on the likelihood of finding a partner and reproducing. We tested the hypothesis that a higher proportion of individuals with a lifetime diagnosis of SAD and AUD reproduce (i.e., have at least one child) relative to individuals with SAD absent AUD in an individual participant meta-analysis based on over 65,000 adults derived from four nationally representative cross-sectional samples. We then cross-validated these findings against the results of a 10-year follow up of one of these surveys. Lifetime history of SAD was not associated with reproduction whereas lifetime history of AUD was positively associated with reproduction. There was no statistically detectable difference in the proportion of individuals with a lifetime history of SAD with or without AUD who reproduced. There was considerable heterogeneity in all of the analyses involving SAD, suggesting that there are likely to be other pertinent variables relating to SAD and reproduction that should be delineated.
The development of the Malaysian vocational education and training system
- Ramanathan Chettiar, Palaniappan
- Authors: Ramanathan Chettiar, Palaniappan
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The vocational education and training (VET) sector in Malaysia has experienced significant change over the last 10 years. This thesis aimed to identify the challenges facing VET development in Malaysia and consider the lessons that can be learnt from Australian and Singaporean VET experiences. This research explored the challenges using a mixed methods approach (qualitative and quantitative) to answer the research question from a multiple stakeholder perspective. The 42 respondents included policymakers, chief executive officers (CEOs) from industry, CEOs from registered training organisations (RTOs), VET instructors and trainees. There were 34 respondents from Malaysia involved in the interviews. Two policymakers and two CEOs of RTOs from Singapore and Australia were also involved in the interviews. An online survey was answered by 209 Malaysian respondents. Significantly, the literature review, including literature from Malaysia, Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States, focused on the development of VET policy and the ideas associated with vocational education theory, human capital theory, systems theory and threshold theory, program theory, employability theory, collective skills formation, stakeholder engagement and the capability approach. The literature review provided an overview of the motivations behind government initiates to expand skills development initiatives using different models, the shifting of responsibility for employability to the employee and promoting inclusivity within the nation. While VET objectives were overt, the need for socially inclusive results were not. There is a need to consider economic, social and education contexts when developing VET systems, given the diversity of Malaysian society. The argument is made within the thesis that the development of VET policy has been largely led by government and legislation, rather than industry. The thesis suggests that challenges inherent in the development of a VET system arise from the gaps between VET policy and practice, rhetoric and implementation. While the presence of policy mechanisms for system efficiency was acknowledged by stakeholders, VET policy was characterised by respondents as incremental rather than long term. Most stakeholders acknowledged the importance of lifelong learning and for the need for Malaysia to become a learning nation. The lack of a single agency to monitor skills development was considered an obstacle for effective skills development within the country. Accordingly, this thesis proposes a set of recommendations to address these challenges and provides directions for future research.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Ramanathan Chettiar, Palaniappan
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The vocational education and training (VET) sector in Malaysia has experienced significant change over the last 10 years. This thesis aimed to identify the challenges facing VET development in Malaysia and consider the lessons that can be learnt from Australian and Singaporean VET experiences. This research explored the challenges using a mixed methods approach (qualitative and quantitative) to answer the research question from a multiple stakeholder perspective. The 42 respondents included policymakers, chief executive officers (CEOs) from industry, CEOs from registered training organisations (RTOs), VET instructors and trainees. There were 34 respondents from Malaysia involved in the interviews. Two policymakers and two CEOs of RTOs from Singapore and Australia were also involved in the interviews. An online survey was answered by 209 Malaysian respondents. Significantly, the literature review, including literature from Malaysia, Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States, focused on the development of VET policy and the ideas associated with vocational education theory, human capital theory, systems theory and threshold theory, program theory, employability theory, collective skills formation, stakeholder engagement and the capability approach. The literature review provided an overview of the motivations behind government initiates to expand skills development initiatives using different models, the shifting of responsibility for employability to the employee and promoting inclusivity within the nation. While VET objectives were overt, the need for socially inclusive results were not. There is a need to consider economic, social and education contexts when developing VET systems, given the diversity of Malaysian society. The argument is made within the thesis that the development of VET policy has been largely led by government and legislation, rather than industry. The thesis suggests that challenges inherent in the development of a VET system arise from the gaps between VET policy and practice, rhetoric and implementation. While the presence of policy mechanisms for system efficiency was acknowledged by stakeholders, VET policy was characterised by respondents as incremental rather than long term. Most stakeholders acknowledged the importance of lifelong learning and for the need for Malaysia to become a learning nation. The lack of a single agency to monitor skills development was considered an obstacle for effective skills development within the country. Accordingly, this thesis proposes a set of recommendations to address these challenges and provides directions for future research.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
The experiences of New Zealand-based children in consuming fruits and vegetables
- Dresler, Emma, Whitehead, Dean, Mather, Aimee
- Authors: Dresler, Emma , Whitehead, Dean , Mather, Aimee
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Education Vol. 117, no. 3 (2017), p. 297-309
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose: It is known that the consumption of fruits and vegetables in children is declining despite wide-spread national and international policy attempts to increase consumption. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the experiences of children’s consumption of fruits and vegetables so as to facilitate better health education targeting. Design/methodology/approach: In this qualitative descriptive exploratory study, peer group interviews were undertaken with 18 girls and 18 boys, aged 8-11, from schools in the Manawatu region of New Zealand. Findings: The results show that children’s consumption of fruits and vegetables is dependent on balancing risk and reward. Children know and understand the importance of eating fruits and vegetables; however, the perceived risks are typically the prevailing determinant of consumption. These perceived risks often stem from children’s uncertainty about whether the fruits and vegetables will meet the child’s sensory preferences. To mitigate the risks perceived in eating fruits and vegetables, children employ a range of avoidance strategies. Originality/value: This study’s results indicate that a model of “associated” risk is a valuable tool to explain children’s fruit and vegetable consumption and preference behaviour and to assist in the development of future health education intervention campaigns. © 2017, © Emerald Publishing Limited.
- Authors: Dresler, Emma , Whitehead, Dean , Mather, Aimee
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Education Vol. 117, no. 3 (2017), p. 297-309
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose: It is known that the consumption of fruits and vegetables in children is declining despite wide-spread national and international policy attempts to increase consumption. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the experiences of children’s consumption of fruits and vegetables so as to facilitate better health education targeting. Design/methodology/approach: In this qualitative descriptive exploratory study, peer group interviews were undertaken with 18 girls and 18 boys, aged 8-11, from schools in the Manawatu region of New Zealand. Findings: The results show that children’s consumption of fruits and vegetables is dependent on balancing risk and reward. Children know and understand the importance of eating fruits and vegetables; however, the perceived risks are typically the prevailing determinant of consumption. These perceived risks often stem from children’s uncertainty about whether the fruits and vegetables will meet the child’s sensory preferences. To mitigate the risks perceived in eating fruits and vegetables, children employ a range of avoidance strategies. Originality/value: This study’s results indicate that a model of “associated” risk is a valuable tool to explain children’s fruit and vegetable consumption and preference behaviour and to assist in the development of future health education intervention campaigns. © 2017, © Emerald Publishing Limited.
The fate of the non-native Collembolon, Hypogastrura viatica, at the southern extent of its introduced range in Antarctica
- Hughes, Kevin, Greenslade, Penelope, Convey, Peter
- Authors: Hughes, Kevin , Greenslade, Penelope , Convey, Peter
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Polar Biology Vol. 40, no. 10 (2017), p. 2127-2131
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Invasive species present a risk to Antarctic ecosystems by altering community structure and function. Reports of non-native invertebrates are increasing at Antarctic sites subject to tourism industry and national operator activity. Furthermore, dispersal of existing non-native species to other Antarctic sites may greatly expand their distributions and increase the spatial scale of potential impacts. Consequently, non-native species occurring near logistical hubs present an enhanced risk. The non-native Collembolon, Hypogastrura viatica, was introduced to Léonie Island, Ryder Bay, near the logistical hub of Rothera Research Station, Rothera Point, Adelaide Island, at some point before 1993, but no attempt had been made to assess the extent of its distribution in the local area. In this study, we surveyed the regularly frequented islands of Ryder Bay and Rothera Point to attempt to assess the continued presence and distribution of this species. Hypogastrura viatica was not identified amongst the 36,796 Collembola specimens extracted from 138 samples taken from the islands and Rothera Point. With no evidence of the continued presence of this non-native Collembolon in the local area, either H. viatica has become extinct or has such a restricted spatial distribution that our monitoring programme failed to detect it. In light of these results, existing local biosecurity measures will be maintained as a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of further anthropogenic dispersal of this potentially invasive Collembolon as well as of any other species imported unintentionally in future. © 2017, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.
- Authors: Hughes, Kevin , Greenslade, Penelope , Convey, Peter
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Polar Biology Vol. 40, no. 10 (2017), p. 2127-2131
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Invasive species present a risk to Antarctic ecosystems by altering community structure and function. Reports of non-native invertebrates are increasing at Antarctic sites subject to tourism industry and national operator activity. Furthermore, dispersal of existing non-native species to other Antarctic sites may greatly expand their distributions and increase the spatial scale of potential impacts. Consequently, non-native species occurring near logistical hubs present an enhanced risk. The non-native Collembolon, Hypogastrura viatica, was introduced to Léonie Island, Ryder Bay, near the logistical hub of Rothera Research Station, Rothera Point, Adelaide Island, at some point before 1993, but no attempt had been made to assess the extent of its distribution in the local area. In this study, we surveyed the regularly frequented islands of Ryder Bay and Rothera Point to attempt to assess the continued presence and distribution of this species. Hypogastrura viatica was not identified amongst the 36,796 Collembola specimens extracted from 138 samples taken from the islands and Rothera Point. With no evidence of the continued presence of this non-native Collembolon in the local area, either H. viatica has become extinct or has such a restricted spatial distribution that our monitoring programme failed to detect it. In light of these results, existing local biosecurity measures will be maintained as a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of further anthropogenic dispersal of this potentially invasive Collembolon as well as of any other species imported unintentionally in future. © 2017, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.
The immanence of traumatic rupture : From the extra/ordinary to the originary
- Authors: Pedersen, Cassie
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis critically intervenes into the interdisciplinary space of trauma theory by both identifying and circumventing the tendency of theorists to posit trauma in a relation of either transcendence or immanence to the contexts in which it occurs. In the classical trauma theories of Shoshana Felman, Dori Laub, and Cathy Caruth, trauma is broadly defined as a disruptive and aporetic event that shatters the cognitive, experiential, and representational frameworks necessary for making sense of the occurrence. These theorists conceptualise trauma as transcendent, seeing trauma as existing “outside” or “beyond” the frameworks in which it comes into being. However, more recent critics enter a polemic with classical trauma theorists by reconceptualising trauma as immanent to the all too human frameworks that facilitate its occurrence in the first place. I contend that the mutual exclusive insistence that trauma need either be conceived as immanent to, or transcendent of, the frameworks in which it occurs has led to a conceptual impasse in trauma theory that is rooted in a false dichotomy between these extremes. Tracing this oppositional tendency across a broad disciplinary spectrum, engaging contributions to trauma theory from philosophy, literary theory, and history, the major aim of this thesis to move beyond the false dichotomy between the immanent and the transcendent by revealing that these terms are inextricably bound. Drawing on the works of Hannah Arendt, Giorgio Agamben, Sigmund Freud, Jacques Lacan, Jean Laplanche, and Jean-François Lyotard (to name only a few), this thesis revitalises the space of trauma theory by offering a series of interlocking arguments that conceptualise the alterity of trauma as being immanent to the frameworks it transcends. This paradoxical logic is at the crux of what I refer to as the immanence of traumatic rupture.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Pedersen, Cassie
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis critically intervenes into the interdisciplinary space of trauma theory by both identifying and circumventing the tendency of theorists to posit trauma in a relation of either transcendence or immanence to the contexts in which it occurs. In the classical trauma theories of Shoshana Felman, Dori Laub, and Cathy Caruth, trauma is broadly defined as a disruptive and aporetic event that shatters the cognitive, experiential, and representational frameworks necessary for making sense of the occurrence. These theorists conceptualise trauma as transcendent, seeing trauma as existing “outside” or “beyond” the frameworks in which it comes into being. However, more recent critics enter a polemic with classical trauma theorists by reconceptualising trauma as immanent to the all too human frameworks that facilitate its occurrence in the first place. I contend that the mutual exclusive insistence that trauma need either be conceived as immanent to, or transcendent of, the frameworks in which it occurs has led to a conceptual impasse in trauma theory that is rooted in a false dichotomy between these extremes. Tracing this oppositional tendency across a broad disciplinary spectrum, engaging contributions to trauma theory from philosophy, literary theory, and history, the major aim of this thesis to move beyond the false dichotomy between the immanent and the transcendent by revealing that these terms are inextricably bound. Drawing on the works of Hannah Arendt, Giorgio Agamben, Sigmund Freud, Jacques Lacan, Jean Laplanche, and Jean-François Lyotard (to name only a few), this thesis revitalises the space of trauma theory by offering a series of interlocking arguments that conceptualise the alterity of trauma as being immanent to the frameworks it transcends. This paradoxical logic is at the crux of what I refer to as the immanence of traumatic rupture.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
The impact of employees’ values on role engagement : assessing the moderating effects of distributive justice
- Rice, Bridget, Fieger, Peter, Rice, John, Martin, Nigel, Knox, Kathy
- Authors: Rice, Bridget , Fieger, Peter , Rice, John , Martin, Nigel , Knox, Kathy
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Leadership and Organization Development Journal Vol. 38, no. 8 (2017), p. 1095-1109
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the manner in which employees’ experience of distributive justice (DJ) moderates the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic values on role engagement (RE). RE is especially important in the healthcare setting (examined here) due to the sector’s complexity, changeability and emotionally challenging nature. Design/methodology/approach: Using data collected from a survey of employees from a large government health district in Southeast Queensland (Australia), this study examined the determinants of RE among a group of employees working across three hospital locations. Findings: The focus of the study was on the impact, both directly and in combination, of espoused extrinsic and intrinsic values and perceived DJ on RE. The authors identify strong direct effects from DJ on RE, and complex third-order effects for the combinations of intrinsic (IM) and extrinsic motivation and DJ in predicting RE. Research limitations/implications: As a cross-sectional and attitudinal survey, care must be taken in relation to common-method variance. Post hoc controls were performed in relation to this. Practical implications: DJ is important for all, and is a powerful motivator for engagement of employees reporting highly on IM. There is evidence that the most engaged employees are not those most motivated by extrinsic rewards alone, although employees who are motivated primarily by extrinsic rewards alone can be highly engaged when they experience high levels of DJ. Social implications: For managers seeking to engage their employees, an understanding of the different motivators for intrinsically vs extrinsically inclined employees is important. Taken together, these results suggest that employee RE is driven by a complex set of factors that differ between employees. Managing this complexity is an important consideration for managers. Originality/value: This is the first empirical study to show these interaction effects using these measures. The healthcare context, generally under researched, also features in this study. © 2017, © Emerald Publishing Limited.
- Authors: Rice, Bridget , Fieger, Peter , Rice, John , Martin, Nigel , Knox, Kathy
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Leadership and Organization Development Journal Vol. 38, no. 8 (2017), p. 1095-1109
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the manner in which employees’ experience of distributive justice (DJ) moderates the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic values on role engagement (RE). RE is especially important in the healthcare setting (examined here) due to the sector’s complexity, changeability and emotionally challenging nature. Design/methodology/approach: Using data collected from a survey of employees from a large government health district in Southeast Queensland (Australia), this study examined the determinants of RE among a group of employees working across three hospital locations. Findings: The focus of the study was on the impact, both directly and in combination, of espoused extrinsic and intrinsic values and perceived DJ on RE. The authors identify strong direct effects from DJ on RE, and complex third-order effects for the combinations of intrinsic (IM) and extrinsic motivation and DJ in predicting RE. Research limitations/implications: As a cross-sectional and attitudinal survey, care must be taken in relation to common-method variance. Post hoc controls were performed in relation to this. Practical implications: DJ is important for all, and is a powerful motivator for engagement of employees reporting highly on IM. There is evidence that the most engaged employees are not those most motivated by extrinsic rewards alone, although employees who are motivated primarily by extrinsic rewards alone can be highly engaged when they experience high levels of DJ. Social implications: For managers seeking to engage their employees, an understanding of the different motivators for intrinsically vs extrinsically inclined employees is important. Taken together, these results suggest that employee RE is driven by a complex set of factors that differ between employees. Managing this complexity is an important consideration for managers. Originality/value: This is the first empirical study to show these interaction effects using these measures. The healthcare context, generally under researched, also features in this study. © 2017, © Emerald Publishing Limited.
The impact of enabling programs on indigenous participation, success and retention in Australian higher education
- Pitman, Tim, Harvey, Andrew, McKay, Jade, Devlin, Marcia, Trinidad, Sue, Brett, Matthew
- Authors: Pitman, Tim , Harvey, Andrew , McKay, Jade , Devlin, Marcia , Trinidad, Sue , Brett, Matthew
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: Indigenous Pathways, Transitions and Participation in Higher Education : From Policy to Practice Chapter 14 p. 235-249
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Indigenous people remain extremely under-represented in Australian higher education. Despite a substantial increase in the overall number of Indigenous university enrolments since the demand-driven system was introduced, representation remains well below population parity (cf. Department of Education and Training 2015; Wilks and Wilson 2015). Along with participation rates, the university success and retention rates of Indigenous students are also relatively low (Behrendt et al. 2012). The causes of this under-representation and under-achievement have been well-documented. At one level, the relatively low secondary school completion and achievement levels of Indigenous people help to explain under-representation at the next level of education. At a deeper level, educational outcomes reflect broader disadvantage, historical exclusion and discrimination, and a system of education in which respect for culture and diversity often remains limited (Liddle 2016).
- Authors: Pitman, Tim , Harvey, Andrew , McKay, Jade , Devlin, Marcia , Trinidad, Sue , Brett, Matthew
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: Indigenous Pathways, Transitions and Participation in Higher Education : From Policy to Practice Chapter 14 p. 235-249
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Indigenous people remain extremely under-represented in Australian higher education. Despite a substantial increase in the overall number of Indigenous university enrolments since the demand-driven system was introduced, representation remains well below population parity (cf. Department of Education and Training 2015; Wilks and Wilson 2015). Along with participation rates, the university success and retention rates of Indigenous students are also relatively low (Behrendt et al. 2012). The causes of this under-representation and under-achievement have been well-documented. At one level, the relatively low secondary school completion and achievement levels of Indigenous people help to explain under-representation at the next level of education. At a deeper level, educational outcomes reflect broader disadvantage, historical exclusion and discrimination, and a system of education in which respect for culture and diversity often remains limited (Liddle 2016).
The impact of work-integrated learning experiences on attaining graduate attributes for exercise and sports science students
- Hall, Melinda, Pascoe, Deborah, Charity, Megan
- Authors: Hall, Melinda , Pascoe, Deborah , Charity, Megan
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings
- Relation: Australian Collaborative Education Network 2016 Annual Conference; Sydney, Australia; 28th-30th September 2016; published in Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education Vol. 18, p. 101-113
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Exercise and Sports Science (E&SS) programs at Federation University Australia provide work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities for students to develop, apply and consolidate theoretical knowledge in the workplace. This study aimed to determine the influence of WIL experiences on achieving common graduate attributes for E&SS students. From a larger study cohort (N=80), semi-structured interviews (n=4) delved into participant perceptions of graduate attributes and the impact of positive and negative WIL experiences. Using constant comparative analysis, interviews were coded and arranged into lower and higher order themes using the Graduate Employability Skills publication as a framework and the process validated by a WIL colleague. Results showed three out of four essential graduate attributes were developed during all WIL experiences regardless of whether they were positive or negative. These findings have implications for E&SS higher education providers and WIL agencies in ensuring the development of key graduate attributes during all WIL experiences.
- Authors: Hall, Melinda , Pascoe, Deborah , Charity, Megan
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings
- Relation: Australian Collaborative Education Network 2016 Annual Conference; Sydney, Australia; 28th-30th September 2016; published in Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education Vol. 18, p. 101-113
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Exercise and Sports Science (E&SS) programs at Federation University Australia provide work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities for students to develop, apply and consolidate theoretical knowledge in the workplace. This study aimed to determine the influence of WIL experiences on achieving common graduate attributes for E&SS students. From a larger study cohort (N=80), semi-structured interviews (n=4) delved into participant perceptions of graduate attributes and the impact of positive and negative WIL experiences. Using constant comparative analysis, interviews were coded and arranged into lower and higher order themes using the Graduate Employability Skills publication as a framework and the process validated by a WIL colleague. Results showed three out of four essential graduate attributes were developed during all WIL experiences regardless of whether they were positive or negative. These findings have implications for E&SS higher education providers and WIL agencies in ensuring the development of key graduate attributes during all WIL experiences.
The influence of a Healthy Welcoming Environment on participation in club sport by adolescent girls : A longitudinal study
- Casey, Meghan, Eime, Rochelle, Harvey, Jack, Sawyer, Neroli, Craike, Melinda, Symons, Caroline, Payne, Warren
- Authors: Casey, Meghan , Eime, Rochelle , Harvey, Jack , Sawyer, Neroli , Craike, Melinda , Symons, Caroline , Payne, Warren
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation Vol. 9, no. 1 (2017), p. 1-9
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: This study investigated the perceived influence of a Healthy Welcoming Environment (HWE) on participation in sports clubs among adolescent girls, and how these perceptions changed longitudinally. HWE was defined in terms of a set of health promotion policies advocated by a health promotion foundation as the basis of sport club health promotion practice to promote structural reform in state sporting organisations and their affiliated associations and clubs. These included sports injury prevention, smoke-free, responsible serving of alcohol, sun protection, healthy eating, and welcoming and inclusive environments. Methods: Year 7 and 11 female students from metropolitan (n = 17) and non-metropolitan secondary schools (n = 14) in Australia were invited to participate in three annual surveys. These surveys collected information about current or past membership of a sports club and the influence of HWEs on their decision to participate (or not) in a sports club. Results: Year 7 (n = 328; 74.5%) and Year 11 (n = 112; 25.5%) female students completed all three waves (19.6% response rate; 82.7 and 74.0% retention rate). Most agreed that characteristics of HWEs were a positive influence on their participation in sports clubs, except those relating to alcohol and Sunsmart. Welcoming factors had consistent high agreement among respondents. Alcohol and friendliness factors of the club were regarded as being positively influential by higher percentages of non-metropolitan than metropolitan respondents. Conclusions: Welcoming factors were the most positive influences on decisions to participate in sports clubs. These factors may be important in reducing barriers to sport participation. Strategies supporting the social environment within sports clubs should be prioritised. © 2017 The Author(s).
- Authors: Casey, Meghan , Eime, Rochelle , Harvey, Jack , Sawyer, Neroli , Craike, Melinda , Symons, Caroline , Payne, Warren
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation Vol. 9, no. 1 (2017), p. 1-9
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- Description: Background: This study investigated the perceived influence of a Healthy Welcoming Environment (HWE) on participation in sports clubs among adolescent girls, and how these perceptions changed longitudinally. HWE was defined in terms of a set of health promotion policies advocated by a health promotion foundation as the basis of sport club health promotion practice to promote structural reform in state sporting organisations and their affiliated associations and clubs. These included sports injury prevention, smoke-free, responsible serving of alcohol, sun protection, healthy eating, and welcoming and inclusive environments. Methods: Year 7 and 11 female students from metropolitan (n = 17) and non-metropolitan secondary schools (n = 14) in Australia were invited to participate in three annual surveys. These surveys collected information about current or past membership of a sports club and the influence of HWEs on their decision to participate (or not) in a sports club. Results: Year 7 (n = 328; 74.5%) and Year 11 (n = 112; 25.5%) female students completed all three waves (19.6% response rate; 82.7 and 74.0% retention rate). Most agreed that characteristics of HWEs were a positive influence on their participation in sports clubs, except those relating to alcohol and Sunsmart. Welcoming factors had consistent high agreement among respondents. Alcohol and friendliness factors of the club were regarded as being positively influential by higher percentages of non-metropolitan than metropolitan respondents. Conclusions: Welcoming factors were the most positive influences on decisions to participate in sports clubs. These factors may be important in reducing barriers to sport participation. Strategies supporting the social environment within sports clubs should be prioritised. © 2017 The Author(s).