Description:
"The thesis itself, involves some psychological and philosophical aspects and thoughts about fear as the main mover in the so called negative aesthetic. This specific method of self-expression, its possible triggers and the reasons that may initiate art creation on the basis of pessimistic and ugly imagery have not been discussed to a great degree in the past. Generally, the content of this writing is focused on the fictious correspondence between two engravers and printmakers. These invented letters serve as an exposé for practical findings and thoughts about the author's works executed during the period 2005-2006."
Description:
"The thesis itself, involves some psychological and philosophical aspects and thoughts about fear as the main mover in the so called negative aesthetic. This specific method of self-expression, its possible triggers and the reasons that may initiate art creation on the basis of pessimistic and ugly imagery have not been discussed to a great degree in the past. Generally, the content of this writing is focused on the fictious correspondence between two engravers and printmakers. These invented letters serve as an exposé for practical findings and thoughts about the author's works executed during the period 2005-2006."
Description:
A study was undertaken over one year of the habitat of Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustissima at Hattah in north west Victoria. These studies, combined with further investigations, indicated significant differences in the germination requirements and behavior of the three species studied.
Description:
A study was undertaken over one year of the habitat of Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustissima at Hattah in north west Victoria. These studies, combined with further investigations, indicated significant differences in the germination requirements and behavior of the three species studied.
Cadmium and human prostatic carcinoma : a study of the analytical procedures for the determination of cadmium and zinc in human prostatic tissue, and the investigation of an association between the incidence of prosatatic adencarcinoma and the occurrence of prostatic cadmium
Description:
The concentrations of the heavy metals cadmium and zinc in both benign nodular hyperplastic and malignant (adenocarcinoma) human prostatic tissue obtained from Trans Urethral Resections of the Prostate (TURP) have been investigated. Healthy normal human prostates obtained from post mortem cadavers were used as controls. The change in the prostatic cadmium concentration with age was investigated. Renal cortex cadmium and zinc concentration changes with age together with the metal concentration intterelationships between prostatic and renal cortex tissues were studied. "From abstract"
Description:
The concentrations of the heavy metals cadmium and zinc in both benign nodular hyperplastic and malignant (adenocarcinoma) human prostatic tissue obtained from Trans Urethral Resections of the Prostate (TURP) have been investigated. Healthy normal human prostates obtained from post mortem cadavers were used as controls. The change in the prostatic cadmium concentration with age was investigated. Renal cortex cadmium and zinc concentration changes with age together with the metal concentration intterelationships between prostatic and renal cortex tissues were studied. "From abstract"
Description:
"The present study was concerned with the effect of lactate tolerance training and a period of reduced training on the energy systems and associated performance."
Description:
Thesis (Master of Science (Human Movement)
Description:
"The present study was concerned with the effect of lactate tolerance training and a period of reduced training on the energy systems and associated performance."
Description:
Thesis (Master of Science (Human Movement)
Description:
For over seven years I have worked within the Disability sector witnessing not only the daily challenges faced by individuals with a disability, but also the barriers placed by society. Throughout this period I have become acutely aware of the lack of representation of individuals with Down syndrome within the public domain of contemporary art. This is an area which I believe also creates barriers to society's acceptance and understanding of disability.
Description:
For over seven years I have worked within the Disability sector witnessing not only the daily challenges faced by individuals with a disability, but also the barriers placed by society. Throughout this period I have become acutely aware of the lack of representation of individuals with Down syndrome within the public domain of contemporary art. This is an area which I believe also creates barriers to society's acceptance and understanding of disability.
Description:
"Robosoccer is a popular test bed for AI programs around the world in which AIBO entertainments robots take part in the middle sized soccer event. These robots need a variety of skills to perform in a semi-real environment like this. The three key challenges are manoeuvrability, image recognition and decision making skills. This research is focussed on the decision making skills ... The work focuses on whether reinforcement learning as a form of semi supervised learning can effectively contribute to the goal keeper's decision making when a shot is taken." -
Description:
"Robosoccer is a popular test bed for AI programs around the world in which AIBO entertainments robots take part in the middle sized soccer event. These robots need a variety of skills to perform in a semi-real environment like this. The three key challenges are manoeuvrability, image recognition and decision making skills. This research is focussed on the decision making skills ... The work focuses on whether reinforcement learning as a form of semi supervised learning can effectively contribute to the goal keeper's decision making when a shot is taken." -
Description:
The sublimation enthalpy of beryllium (II), aluminium (III), chromium (III), iron (III), cobalt (III), nickel (II), copper (II), oxovanadium (IV) and zirconium (IV) 2,4 -pentanedionate complexes has been determined by vacuum Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), subsequent to benzoic acid being proposed as calibrant for this technique. In conjunction with existing thermochemical data for these complexes, metal-ligand homolytic bond dissociation energies are calculated and are rationalized in terms of the ionic size of the coordinated meta and the crystal field stabilization energies for the complex. Old and new methods for the determination of sublimation enthalpy are reviewed and the present data collectively reveal the versatility and precision of DSC fort the direct determination of sublimation enthalpies of metal complexes. The new sublimation enthalpy data presented for metal 2-4- pentanedionate complexes effectively ends the controversy associated with the previously reported corresponding data/
Description:
The sublimation enthalpy of beryllium (II), aluminium (III), chromium (III), iron (III), cobalt (III), nickel (II), copper (II), oxovanadium (IV) and zirconium (IV) 2,4 -pentanedionate complexes has been determined by vacuum Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), subsequent to benzoic acid being proposed as calibrant for this technique. In conjunction with existing thermochemical data for these complexes, metal-ligand homolytic bond dissociation energies are calculated and are rationalized in terms of the ionic size of the coordinated meta and the crystal field stabilization energies for the complex. Old and new methods for the determination of sublimation enthalpy are reviewed and the present data collectively reveal the versatility and precision of DSC fort the direct determination of sublimation enthalpies of metal complexes. The new sublimation enthalpy data presented for metal 2-4- pentanedionate complexes effectively ends the controversy associated with the previously reported corresponding data/
Description:
This research project examines the process of conceptualisation and its effects on the development of layers of meaning in a visual context. It explores a journey over time, within an observed environment. It explores the conceptual processes which, like a physical journey, runs through many landscapes. Memory and emotion, analysis and observation, recording and interpretation and as a final destination, the practical application in the making of the pictures. This exegesis compares the differences between the theoretical stances artists have taken in the pursuit of creating work based on the depiction of the landscape. It considers a variety of approaches to image and meaning and determines the effect of disruption as it relates to art practice over centuries and to my own practice. Throughout the work there is an exploration of the different forms of disruption on the landscape, from colonisation through to the visual effects of a changing climate. Consideration is given to the similarities and differences between the practices of visual art and communication design particularly in relation to the role of the audience. The process of research and experimentation in the making of 16 digitally augmented inkjet print, photographic images and an accompanying story map drawing of the journey is described. This involved the investigation of the conceptual development processes and approaches in relation to landscape imagery and the effect of a changing climate on their visual outcomes. The results of my experimentation in capturing images through drawing and photography using graphite pencils and paper and a camera, in a car moving through the landscape, are described. This is followed by a description of my experimentation of the use of a disruptive digital drawing application on photographic images located within an iPad and how the resulting images were conceptualised and created.
Description:
This research project examines the process of conceptualisation and its effects on the development of layers of meaning in a visual context. It explores a journey over time, within an observed environment. It explores the conceptual processes which, like a physical journey, runs through many landscapes. Memory and emotion, analysis and observation, recording and interpretation and as a final destination, the practical application in the making of the pictures. This exegesis compares the differences between the theoretical stances artists have taken in the pursuit of creating work based on the depiction of the landscape. It considers a variety of approaches to image and meaning and determines the effect of disruption as it relates to art practice over centuries and to my own practice. Throughout the work there is an exploration of the different forms of disruption on the landscape, from colonisation through to the visual effects of a changing climate. Consideration is given to the similarities and differences between the practices of visual art and communication design particularly in relation to the role of the audience. The process of research and experimentation in the making of 16 digitally augmented inkjet print, photographic images and an accompanying story map drawing of the journey is described. This involved the investigation of the conceptual development processes and approaches in relation to landscape imagery and the effect of a changing climate on their visual outcomes. The results of my experimentation in capturing images through drawing and photography using graphite pencils and paper and a camera, in a car moving through the landscape, are described. This is followed by a description of my experimentation of the use of a disruptive digital drawing application on photographic images located within an iPad and how the resulting images were conceptualised and created.
Description:
This research project, ‘Revealing the Essence of the Sacred’, examines the archetypal forms of the dot, cross and the mandorla. Their appearance and meaning are traced back through history and across cultures. The commonalities between the physical act of making imagery using these pared back abstracted forms and the experience, in the maker, of embodied immanence are examined. By extension the research also considers how creating and contemplating artwork can be a curative spiritual practice. I identify how the artwork correlates with, and is informed by, my spiritual practice. The research takes a phenomenological approach and is based on my own subjective experience of bodily sensed knowledge whilst making and viewing the image. Intuitively accessing the source or essence of the subject matter has been a primary motivating factor in the images used in the artwork. This approach is grounded in the innate belief that what has been distilled and purified has great transformative power. Informing this is an alignment with both the Jungian Collective Unconscious and the ancient Indian spiritual system of Tantra. The artworks, rendered within a ritualistic structure and using abstracted form, are an individual expression of the universality of intuitive mark making. A similar connection is established in the practice of contemporary artists who strongly identify with a level of spirituality in their personal lives
Description:
This research project, ‘Revealing the Essence of the Sacred’, examines the archetypal forms of the dot, cross and the mandorla. Their appearance and meaning are traced back through history and across cultures. The commonalities between the physical act of making imagery using these pared back abstracted forms and the experience, in the maker, of embodied immanence are examined. By extension the research also considers how creating and contemplating artwork can be a curative spiritual practice. I identify how the artwork correlates with, and is informed by, my spiritual practice. The research takes a phenomenological approach and is based on my own subjective experience of bodily sensed knowledge whilst making and viewing the image. Intuitively accessing the source or essence of the subject matter has been a primary motivating factor in the images used in the artwork. This approach is grounded in the innate belief that what has been distilled and purified has great transformative power. Informing this is an alignment with both the Jungian Collective Unconscious and the ancient Indian spiritual system of Tantra. The artworks, rendered within a ritualistic structure and using abstracted form, are an individual expression of the universality of intuitive mark making. A similar connection is established in the practice of contemporary artists who strongly identify with a level of spirituality in their personal lives
Description:
The Seven Valleys is an interactive 3D installation based artwork inspired by mystical writings of the Bahá'í Faith. Created as a modification of the firstperson shooter Unreal Tournament 2003 (Epic, 2003) it subverts the original paradigm of the game to create an experience of the numinous, which in spirit, is diametrically opposed to the original intent of the gameplay design. This artwork presents an exploration of, and allusion to, the often subtle and illusive concepts found in the sacred treatise The Seven Valleys (Bahá'u'lláh, 1991) in which the user engages in an experiential journey through the work. The user is faced with conditions and situations that provide motivation to question, explore and attempt to fathom the abstract sense of the numinous. Each of The Seven Valleys contains its own individual mysteries while at the same time contributing its part to the telling of a collective story.
Description:
The Seven Valleys is an interactive 3D installation based artwork inspired by mystical writings of the Bahá'í Faith. Created as a modification of the firstperson shooter Unreal Tournament 2003 (Epic, 2003) it subverts the original paradigm of the game to create an experience of the numinous, which in spirit, is diametrically opposed to the original intent of the gameplay design. This artwork presents an exploration of, and allusion to, the often subtle and illusive concepts found in the sacred treatise The Seven Valleys (Bahá'u'lláh, 1991) in which the user engages in an experiential journey through the work. The user is faced with conditions and situations that provide motivation to question, explore and attempt to fathom the abstract sense of the numinous. Each of The Seven Valleys contains its own individual mysteries while at the same time contributing its part to the telling of a collective story.
Description:
Much has been written about seated working posture - particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the furniture associated with achieving what is commonly referred to as the "German Square" postural geometry (after Mandal, 1974). The physical sciences aspects of chair, desk and associated furniture ancillary to the task required of the seated worker, have been described in the scientific literature and the standards and guideline publications of the authorities of many countries of the western world. The most important contribution of multi-adjustable furniture to the reduction of postural discomfort and musculo-skeletal complaints is recognised. As a result a variety of standards and guidelines concerning some of these aspects exists in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, United States of America, Germany, Australia and the Scandinavian countries. The International Organisation for Standardisation published document TC136/SC7 in 1978, consolidating such existing standards. Less emphasis has been placed on the interface of the information exchange and the comfort, performance and preferences of the seated worker; ie., the practically, the comfort and the intrinsic safety of the working posture prescribed by the model established by the many standards. Existing specifications and guidelines differ in their orientation towards operator performance and comfort of the operator, in as much as some purport to be "furniture standards", for example C.E.N, Comite European de Normalisation, Paris, 1980, while others purport to be "postural standards", for example, International Organisation for Standardisation document TC 136/SC7 (1978). The standards are uniform in matters of upright trunk and 90° upper and lower limb geometry, but are divided in the lineal dimensions applied to eye height above the floor, shoulder acromion to home row of keys (or pen-grip position of the dominant hand and fingers), and eye distance to copy.
Description:
Much has been written about seated working posture - particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the furniture associated with achieving what is commonly referred to as the "German Square" postural geometry (after Mandal, 1974). The physical sciences aspects of chair, desk and associated furniture ancillary to the task required of the seated worker, have been described in the scientific literature and the standards and guideline publications of the authorities of many countries of the western world. The most important contribution of multi-adjustable furniture to the reduction of postural discomfort and musculo-skeletal complaints is recognised. As a result a variety of standards and guidelines concerning some of these aspects exists in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, United States of America, Germany, Australia and the Scandinavian countries. The International Organisation for Standardisation published document TC136/SC7 in 1978, consolidating such existing standards. Less emphasis has been placed on the interface of the information exchange and the comfort, performance and preferences of the seated worker; ie., the practically, the comfort and the intrinsic safety of the working posture prescribed by the model established by the many standards. Existing specifications and guidelines differ in their orientation towards operator performance and comfort of the operator, in as much as some purport to be "furniture standards", for example C.E.N, Comite European de Normalisation, Paris, 1980, while others purport to be "postural standards", for example, International Organisation for Standardisation document TC 136/SC7 (1978). The standards are uniform in matters of upright trunk and 90° upper and lower limb geometry, but are divided in the lineal dimensions applied to eye height above the floor, shoulder acromion to home row of keys (or pen-grip position of the dominant hand and fingers), and eye distance to copy.
Description:
This thesis examines the educational experiences of some young people living in the Hepburn Shire, a Local Government Area (LGA) in the Central Highlands of Victoria. These young people were in various stages of disengaging from the mainstream education on offer in the shire. The research came about via consultation between the secondary school and Federation University in response to data from the Department of Education and Training (DET) showing that the Hepburn area had the lowest school attendance figures of the eleven LGA’s in the Grampians region. The school was interested in the reasons behind the lower figures and sought to gather some further information which might shed light on the experiences of young people who had difficulty in connecting, or staying connected to, school. It was hoped that the resultant findings would inform the approach taken by the schools in offering appropriate programs to support people to re-engage with school. Thus, the research question underpinning this research is: What are the key reasons that school attendance has been identified as being lower in the Hepburn Shire Local Government Area than in other parts of the Grampians region? A critical ethnographic study was undertaken comprised of participant observation, facilitated by the researcher being situated within the school, and a series of semi-structured interviews conducted with young people (of secondary school age), families, teachers, Principals, support staff including welfare providers and a selection of other professionals working with youth and their families in the Hepburn Shire. The study revealed a complexity within the Hepburn community, where a rich diversity of views about child-raising and education was present. Such views spanned philosophies about ‘unschooling’, the benefits of home-schooling, and a sense of permissiveness about not attending school each day. Further, there seemed to be a tendency within the school (both by teachers and other professionals working with youth) to talk about disengaged students and families of nonattending students in terms of deficit: there was something lacking with them, parenting skills, work ethic, behavioural or emotional regulation, that was viewed as contributing to the students’ poor attendance. Finally, the centrality of the teacher-student relationship to both student engagement and disengagement was evident in the conversations with young people and their families. Building respectful, reciprocal relationships with at least one key member of staff seems to be a major protective factor against disengagement. And further, seems to be a pre-requisite for those students who are entering the school for the first time, or who are re-entering after a significant absence.
Description:
This thesis examines the educational experiences of some young people living in the Hepburn Shire, a Local Government Area (LGA) in the Central Highlands of Victoria. These young people were in various stages of disengaging from the mainstream education on offer in the shire. The research came about via consultation between the secondary school and Federation University in response to data from the Department of Education and Training (DET) showing that the Hepburn area had the lowest school attendance figures of the eleven LGA’s in the Grampians region. The school was interested in the reasons behind the lower figures and sought to gather some further information which might shed light on the experiences of young people who had difficulty in connecting, or staying connected to, school. It was hoped that the resultant findings would inform the approach taken by the schools in offering appropriate programs to support people to re-engage with school. Thus, the research question underpinning this research is: What are the key reasons that school attendance has been identified as being lower in the Hepburn Shire Local Government Area than in other parts of the Grampians region? A critical ethnographic study was undertaken comprised of participant observation, facilitated by the researcher being situated within the school, and a series of semi-structured interviews conducted with young people (of secondary school age), families, teachers, Principals, support staff including welfare providers and a selection of other professionals working with youth and their families in the Hepburn Shire. The study revealed a complexity within the Hepburn community, where a rich diversity of views about child-raising and education was present. Such views spanned philosophies about ‘unschooling’, the benefits of home-schooling, and a sense of permissiveness about not attending school each day. Further, there seemed to be a tendency within the school (both by teachers and other professionals working with youth) to talk about disengaged students and families of nonattending students in terms of deficit: there was something lacking with them, parenting skills, work ethic, behavioural or emotional regulation, that was viewed as contributing to the students’ poor attendance. Finally, the centrality of the teacher-student relationship to both student engagement and disengagement was evident in the conversations with young people and their families. Building respectful, reciprocal relationships with at least one key member of staff seems to be a major protective factor against disengagement. And further, seems to be a pre-requisite for those students who are entering the school for the first time, or who are re-entering after a significant absence.
Description:
"Through a review of the art of late antiquity and early Christianity, the study examines the nature of, and tension between, superstion and belief. It debates the implicit question 'is all religion superstition?' in an attempt to provide a sound basis for the presentation of reasons for my personal unwilingness to 'disallow belief' in the mysteries of the Faith, despite doubts on their content."
Description:
"Through a review of the art of late antiquity and early Christianity, the study examines the nature of, and tension between, superstion and belief. It debates the implicit question 'is all religion superstition?' in an attempt to provide a sound basis for the presentation of reasons for my personal unwilingness to 'disallow belief' in the mysteries of the Faith, despite doubts on their content."
Physical and emotional touchpoints influencing user journeys : how mothers navigate through the maternity and early childhood development service systems in a rural Victorian city
Description:
The quality of maternity and early childhood development service systems has a profound impact on children’s capacity to grow, learn and thrive throughout their lifespans. This research study investigated the experiences of first-time mothers attempting to navigate complex, disjointed service systems in a small rural Australian city. The study aimed to identify the critical touchpoints that first-time mothers often encountered when navigating maternity and early childhood development service systems from conception to school and then generate a broader understanding of how the individual and collective user might navigate through this period. In my capacity as the manager of a major early childhood service in this small city, I was able to apply my critical, reflexive insights of the service to the development of this research study. This descriptive, retrospective study employed a qualitative methodology. A novel, user-centred design approach – drawing upon the concept of service touchpoints – was applied to explain families’ experiences of using services from the point of their child’s conception until the commencement of school. A self-selected sample of eight first-time mothers participated in the study. Comprehensive, tape-recorded interviews were conducted with the mothers that incorporated innovative tools for generating ideas and identifying critical touchpoints during the mothers’ user journey. The data was analysed to produce four products: a cross-case, thematic analysis of the families’ experiences; a visual user journey map containing the physical and emotional service touchpoints for each individual family; and two customer journey maps (one showing physical touchpoints; the other showing emotional touchpoints) to visually represent the typical user’s experience. The four major themes that emerged were: (1) dissonance between expectations and the lived reality; (2) the continuum of support from ideal to going “above and beyond”; (3) social isolation and lack of information; and (4) the need to become experts/advocates to make informed choices. The two conjoint customer journey maps revealed that a lack of service knowledge, unclear processes and disruptions in service transitions impacted on the physical service experience. However, surprisingly, it was the emotional – rather than the physical –touchpoints that were most significant for these mothers.
Description:
The quality of maternity and early childhood development service systems has a profound impact on children’s capacity to grow, learn and thrive throughout their lifespans. This research study investigated the experiences of first-time mothers attempting to navigate complex, disjointed service systems in a small rural Australian city. The study aimed to identify the critical touchpoints that first-time mothers often encountered when navigating maternity and early childhood development service systems from conception to school and then generate a broader understanding of how the individual and collective user might navigate through this period. In my capacity as the manager of a major early childhood service in this small city, I was able to apply my critical, reflexive insights of the service to the development of this research study. This descriptive, retrospective study employed a qualitative methodology. A novel, user-centred design approach – drawing upon the concept of service touchpoints – was applied to explain families’ experiences of using services from the point of their child’s conception until the commencement of school. A self-selected sample of eight first-time mothers participated in the study. Comprehensive, tape-recorded interviews were conducted with the mothers that incorporated innovative tools for generating ideas and identifying critical touchpoints during the mothers’ user journey. The data was analysed to produce four products: a cross-case, thematic analysis of the families’ experiences; a visual user journey map containing the physical and emotional service touchpoints for each individual family; and two customer journey maps (one showing physical touchpoints; the other showing emotional touchpoints) to visually represent the typical user’s experience. The four major themes that emerged were: (1) dissonance between expectations and the lived reality; (2) the continuum of support from ideal to going “above and beyond”; (3) social isolation and lack of information; and (4) the need to become experts/advocates to make informed choices. The two conjoint customer journey maps revealed that a lack of service knowledge, unclear processes and disruptions in service transitions impacted on the physical service experience. However, surprisingly, it was the emotional – rather than the physical –touchpoints that were most significant for these mothers.
Description:
Historically, fantasy fiction has tended to present sexuality and gender in a conservative light. Contemporary authors in this genre have the opportunity to imagine worlds in which they can critique these norms and offer new and subversive alternatives. Elizabeth Moon’s work has been seen by some readers and critics (Mains, et al, Bach) to challenge conservative gender roles, and while in some areas this is evident, a critical reading of her Paksworld series through a feminist lens reveals that her work is still largely restricted by normative notions of gender and heteronormative contexts and ideals. In this thesis I argue that while Moon’s female characters are allowed a certain amount of autonomy, they are still often repressed by those around them, silenced, or subject to male dominance and/or sexual violence. Those women in the novels who achieve a position of social, political or spiritual power are forced to make choices between roles: for example, between being a warrior and a mother, and are not allowed to ‘have it all’. Moon does subvert some familiar feminine tropes – her fantasy princesses for example avoid being married against their will, and her female warriors are more complex than simply being ‘sheroes’. Utilising masculinities and disability theory, I also analyse Moon’s treatment of men and masculinity. While Moon presents several familiar male fantasy tropes, she also portrays some surprisingly subversive men. These men are forced to reimagine and reinterpret their own masculine identities by having to confront ageing, disability, mutilation and loss of personal power while negotiating traditionally masculine homo-social environments. Finally, I argue that Moon’s presentation of sexuality in the Paksworld series is problematic and conservative in that very few of her characters are having pleasurable, consensual sex, especially not outside traditional marriage structures. Furthermore, the Paksworld series is largely heteronormative, with same-sex desire identified predominantly with a character who is presented as an antagonist to Paks. Paks herself is asexual, and I argue that Moon uses this as a way to avoid dealing with the issue of female sexual desire rather than an opportunity to explore asexuality as a valid sexual preference or identity. Overall, I argue that despite some subversive elements, Moon’s characters are still largely restricted by conservative expectations of genre, culture, gender and sexuality.
Description:
Historically, fantasy fiction has tended to present sexuality and gender in a conservative light. Contemporary authors in this genre have the opportunity to imagine worlds in which they can critique these norms and offer new and subversive alternatives. Elizabeth Moon’s work has been seen by some readers and critics (Mains, et al, Bach) to challenge conservative gender roles, and while in some areas this is evident, a critical reading of her Paksworld series through a feminist lens reveals that her work is still largely restricted by normative notions of gender and heteronormative contexts and ideals. In this thesis I argue that while Moon’s female characters are allowed a certain amount of autonomy, they are still often repressed by those around them, silenced, or subject to male dominance and/or sexual violence. Those women in the novels who achieve a position of social, political or spiritual power are forced to make choices between roles: for example, between being a warrior and a mother, and are not allowed to ‘have it all’. Moon does subvert some familiar feminine tropes – her fantasy princesses for example avoid being married against their will, and her female warriors are more complex than simply being ‘sheroes’. Utilising masculinities and disability theory, I also analyse Moon’s treatment of men and masculinity. While Moon presents several familiar male fantasy tropes, she also portrays some surprisingly subversive men. These men are forced to reimagine and reinterpret their own masculine identities by having to confront ageing, disability, mutilation and loss of personal power while negotiating traditionally masculine homo-social environments. Finally, I argue that Moon’s presentation of sexuality in the Paksworld series is problematic and conservative in that very few of her characters are having pleasurable, consensual sex, especially not outside traditional marriage structures. Furthermore, the Paksworld series is largely heteronormative, with same-sex desire identified predominantly with a character who is presented as an antagonist to Paks. Paks herself is asexual, and I argue that Moon uses this as a way to avoid dealing with the issue of female sexual desire rather than an opportunity to explore asexuality as a valid sexual preference or identity. Overall, I argue that despite some subversive elements, Moon’s characters are still largely restricted by conservative expectations of genre, culture, gender and sexuality.
Description:
"The primary aim of the study was to compare effects of night work and day work (rotating morning/day/evening shifts) on the physical, psychological and social well being of nurses."
Description:
It is has been recognised that sense of belonging and related concepts are strongly associated with mental and physical health. Research to date, however, has focused on sense of belonging to the community in which one lives. The present research extended the work on sense ofbelonging by assessing the relationship between sense ofbelonging in the workplace and the mental and physical health ofstaff employed in a regional university. It was hypothesised that there would be a significant negative relationship between sense ofbelonging and stress. It was also hypothesised that those staff who indicated a higher sense ofbelonging to their work team and organisation would be less likely to leave their employment and have fewer mental and physical health problems. A sample of 46 male and 49 female staff members completed sense ofbelonging and stress questionnaires. The research found that females showed a higher sense ofbelonging to both the work team and the organisation than males. Also, employees who showed a lower sense ofbelonging to the University had stronger intentions ofleaving their employment. Further, workers who indicated a higher sense ofbelonging to the work team exhibited lower burnout, lower global stress, and better general health. Results suggested that the mental health ofworkers can be improved by encouraging a sense of belonging to the immediate work team and that retention of workers may be increased by facilitating a sense of belonging to the organisation.
Description:
It is has been recognised that sense of belonging and related concepts are strongly associated with mental and physical health. Research to date, however, has focused on sense of belonging to the community in which one lives. The present research extended the work on sense ofbelonging by assessing the relationship between sense ofbelonging in the workplace and the mental and physical health ofstaff employed in a regional university. It was hypothesised that there would be a significant negative relationship between sense ofbelonging and stress. It was also hypothesised that those staff who indicated a higher sense ofbelonging to their work team and organisation would be less likely to leave their employment and have fewer mental and physical health problems. A sample of 46 male and 49 female staff members completed sense ofbelonging and stress questionnaires. The research found that females showed a higher sense ofbelonging to both the work team and the organisation than males. Also, employees who showed a lower sense ofbelonging to the University had stronger intentions ofleaving their employment. Further, workers who indicated a higher sense ofbelonging to the work team exhibited lower burnout, lower global stress, and better general health. Results suggested that the mental health ofworkers can be improved by encouraging a sense of belonging to the immediate work team and that retention of workers may be increased by facilitating a sense of belonging to the organisation.
Description:
The effects of text-supplementing illustrations have been generally well etablished (Mayer, Bove, Bryman, Mars & Tapangco, 1996). However, these effects are not universal, and are influenced by learner factors including student approaches to learning and prior knowldge (Ollerenshaw, Aidman & Kidd, 1997)....
Description:
Master of Applied Science (Psychology)
Description:
The effects of text-supplementing illustrations have been generally well etablished (Mayer, Bove, Bryman, Mars & Tapangco, 1996). However, these effects are not universal, and are influenced by learner factors including student approaches to learning and prior knowldge (Ollerenshaw, Aidman & Kidd, 1997)....
Description:
Master of Applied Science (Psychology)
Description:
An old Victorian manse and its accumulations are especially potent symbols of place and memory. The old dwelling and garden stir collective as well as individual memories which are deeply personal and spiritual. Elements of the building, as well as old and new plantings in the garden, converge as unique and irreplaceable marks of human existence, nostalgia, and longing. The character of the house and garden is an exposition of European identity; my investigation is an attempt to explicate the hybrid nature of the manse through the lens of visual art to convey an atmosphere of age, memory, and continuity.
Description:
An old Victorian manse and its accumulations are especially potent symbols of place and memory. The old dwelling and garden stir collective as well as individual memories which are deeply personal and spiritual. Elements of the building, as well as old and new plantings in the garden, converge as unique and irreplaceable marks of human existence, nostalgia, and longing. The character of the house and garden is an exposition of European identity; my investigation is an attempt to explicate the hybrid nature of the manse through the lens of visual art to convey an atmosphere of age, memory, and continuity.