Description:
The Enhanced Primary Care Package aimed to improve health and quality of life through enhancing primary health care for those over 75 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over 55 years and those with chronic conditions and multidisciplinary needs. A multi-level approach was implemented to promote the package. West Vic Division of General Practice conducted the General Practice Education Support and Community Linkages implementation program for the package in Western Victoria and focused on health assessments for those over 75 years. This research investigated what factors affected change in rural general practitioner practice through surveying general practitioners and collecting Health Insurance Commission data prior to and following the program. Patients were also interviewed to determine acceptance of health assessments and nurse involvement. The program increased awareness, but had little effect on increasing uptake, as only 53% of general practitioners began undertaking health assessments. However the general practitioners indicated an increased frequency of health assessment prescription. Health Insurance Commission data suggested an immediate increase in the use of the assessments, however the rate fluctuated and then declined. Lack of sustained uptake of the program was not associated with remuneration, as 77% of general practitioners did not regard finance as a barrier. Respondents’ major barrier was time (40% pre-education, 73% post-education). This data reflected a rural environment where general practitioners face competing priorities, time constraints, workforce shortage and long consultation lists. A notable change did however occur from practice nurse employment as the involvement of a practice nurse generally resulted in patient satisfaction with the assessment. It was apparent that a complex multifaceted and longer-term view is needed to address factors which limit rural general practitioners’ ability to change. This needs to be addressed at the Commonwealth level and not in isolation in order to produce an integrated framework to enhance and promote, rather than demand change.
Description:
The Enhanced Primary Care Package aimed to improve health and quality of life through enhancing primary health care for those over 75 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over 55 years and those with chronic conditions and multidisciplinary needs. A multi-level approach was implemented to promote the package. West Vic Division of General Practice conducted the General Practice Education Support and Community Linkages implementation program for the package in Western Victoria and focused on health assessments for those over 75 years. This research investigated what factors affected change in rural general practitioner practice through surveying general practitioners and collecting Health Insurance Commission data prior to and following the program. Patients were also interviewed to determine acceptance of health assessments and nurse involvement. The program increased awareness, but had little effect on increasing uptake, as only 53% of general practitioners began undertaking health assessments. However the general practitioners indicated an increased frequency of health assessment prescription. Health Insurance Commission data suggested an immediate increase in the use of the assessments, however the rate fluctuated and then declined. Lack of sustained uptake of the program was not associated with remuneration, as 77% of general practitioners did not regard finance as a barrier. Respondents’ major barrier was time (40% pre-education, 73% post-education). This data reflected a rural environment where general practitioners face competing priorities, time constraints, workforce shortage and long consultation lists. A notable change did however occur from practice nurse employment as the involvement of a practice nurse generally resulted in patient satisfaction with the assessment. It was apparent that a complex multifaceted and longer-term view is needed to address factors which limit rural general practitioners’ ability to change. This needs to be addressed at the Commonwealth level and not in isolation in order to produce an integrated framework to enhance and promote, rather than demand change.
Description:
"Interest surrounds apoptosis-inducing factors for use in treatment of proliferative disorders and for the elucidation of cell death pathways. Here, a murine SCID thymic lymphoma cell line (ThyE1M6) is described which produces a cytotoxic factor that acts on specific human and murine cancer cell lines, including some lymphomas and hepatomas. The cytotoxic property of the lymphoma was first noted in co-culture experiments that revealed increased apoptosis in some cell types. This attribute was thought to be unusual and as a result a project was initiated with the aim to characterise the factor responsible for cell death."
Description:
"Interest surrounds apoptosis-inducing factors for use in treatment of proliferative disorders and for the elucidation of cell death pathways. Here, a murine SCID thymic lymphoma cell line (ThyE1M6) is described which produces a cytotoxic factor that acts on specific human and murine cancer cell lines, including some lymphomas and hepatomas. The cytotoxic property of the lymphoma was first noted in co-culture experiments that revealed increased apoptosis in some cell types. This attribute was thought to be unusual and as a result a project was initiated with the aim to characterise the factor responsible for cell death."
Description:
"This thesis takes a broad look at recent developments in cyberspace with a particular focus on the key concept areas of self-identity, community and nationalism. The field of cyber research is very much a nascent one, but already a seminal core of literature abounds that privleges cyberspace as a world that is somehow removed from the everday one in which we reside. This study argues against this assertion, suggesting instead that cyberspace, for most users, is merely another commonly accessed part of daily life."
Description:
"This thesis takes a broad look at recent developments in cyberspace with a particular focus on the key concept areas of self-identity, community and nationalism. The field of cyber research is very much a nascent one, but already a seminal core of literature abounds that privleges cyberspace as a world that is somehow removed from the everday one in which we reside. This study argues against this assertion, suggesting instead that cyberspace, for most users, is merely another commonly accessed part of daily life."
Description:
The Tiwi are the indigenous people of the Tiwi Islands, located off the Northern Territory mainland. In 1919, as a unique and distinct people they appeared to be in a position to maintain their identity, to resist absorption into western culture and to avoid some of the serious social problems that came to affect some other Indigenous communities. While aspects of the Tiwi culture and lifestyle were gradually modified or abandoned through contact with outside societies between 1919 and 2000, other traits remained strong or were strengthened. These included their relationship with the land, the local language, dancing and singing, and adoption customs. Forms of visual art, some introduced, brought fame to the Tiwi. Government policies on Indigenous matters changed dramatically over the twentieth century. The earlier ones, including assimilation programmes were discriminatory and restrictive. Later approaches to Aboriginal and Islander welfare, including land rights, had significant consequences for the Islanders, some beneficial, others detrimental in nature. From the 1970s, the departure of resident missionaries and government officers from the islands led to an influx of private European employees. The exposure to these people added to that which the Tiwi experienced as they travelled far beyond their islands. After 1972, the policies of self-determination and, then, self-management placed enormous strains on the Tiwi as they strove to meet the requirements of government, private enterprise and the wider society. New forms of land and local government controls replaced the law of the elders. A younger, western-educated generation now spoke on behalf of the people. Ultimately, under the influence of outside pressures, degrees of socio-cultural absorption occurred in the islands even though the official policy of assimilation had been abandoned. Fortunately, the strong identity of the Tiwi ensured a level of social cohesion capable of combating full assimilation into a wholly western lifestyle.
Description:
The Tiwi are the indigenous people of the Tiwi Islands, located off the Northern Territory mainland. In 1919, as a unique and distinct people they appeared to be in a position to maintain their identity, to resist absorption into western culture and to avoid some of the serious social problems that came to affect some other Indigenous communities. While aspects of the Tiwi culture and lifestyle were gradually modified or abandoned through contact with outside societies between 1919 and 2000, other traits remained strong or were strengthened. These included their relationship with the land, the local language, dancing and singing, and adoption customs. Forms of visual art, some introduced, brought fame to the Tiwi. Government policies on Indigenous matters changed dramatically over the twentieth century. The earlier ones, including assimilation programmes were discriminatory and restrictive. Later approaches to Aboriginal and Islander welfare, including land rights, had significant consequences for the Islanders, some beneficial, others detrimental in nature. From the 1970s, the departure of resident missionaries and government officers from the islands led to an influx of private European employees. The exposure to these people added to that which the Tiwi experienced as they travelled far beyond their islands. After 1972, the policies of self-determination and, then, self-management placed enormous strains on the Tiwi as they strove to meet the requirements of government, private enterprise and the wider society. New forms of land and local government controls replaced the law of the elders. A younger, western-educated generation now spoke on behalf of the people. Ultimately, under the influence of outside pressures, degrees of socio-cultural absorption occurred in the islands even though the official policy of assimilation had been abandoned. Fortunately, the strong identity of the Tiwi ensured a level of social cohesion capable of combating full assimilation into a wholly western lifestyle.
Description:
"The purpose of this thesis is to develop and test new methods for data classification based on mathematical programming and nonsmooth optimization."
Description:
"The purpose of this thesis is to develop and test new methods for data classification based on mathematical programming and nonsmooth optimization."
Description:
"A community sample of men was recruited for the purpose of investigating whether belonging was a predictor of men's mental health and whether place of residence and sexual orientation influenced this relationship. The study also examined the importance of belonging to both the broader and gay communites for the mental health of gay men."
Description:
"A community sample of men was recruited for the purpose of investigating whether belonging was a predictor of men's mental health and whether place of residence and sexual orientation influenced this relationship. The study also examined the importance of belonging to both the broader and gay communites for the mental health of gay men."
Description:
"The aim of the present studies is to determine whether various aspects of personality have an influence on psychological distress and to determine whether any intervening factors affect this relationship."
Description:
"The aim of the present studies is to determine whether various aspects of personality have an influence on psychological distress and to determine whether any intervening factors affect this relationship."
Description:
Three thematically linked placement project reports and an exegesis addressing professional/ethical issues in the practice of clinical psychology submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Psychology (Clinical).
Description:
Three thematically linked placement project reports and an exegesis addressing professional/ethical issues in the practice of clinical psychology submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Psychology (Clinical).
Description:
"This study aims to investigate physical activity participation by adults in the regional city of Ballarat by examining: the current levels of physical activity and how these compare with the overall Australian adult population; the PAR fpr physical inactivity and CHD, NIDDM, colon cancer, stroke, breast cancer and all-cause mortality; the curent cost of CHD, and stroke, attributable to physical inactivity; the major determinants of physical activity participation; and the theoretical models most relevant for the design and implementation of any targeted intervention programs."
Description:
"This study aims to investigate physical activity participation by adults in the regional city of Ballarat by examining: the current levels of physical activity and how these compare with the overall Australian adult population; the PAR fpr physical inactivity and CHD, NIDDM, colon cancer, stroke, breast cancer and all-cause mortality; the curent cost of CHD, and stroke, attributable to physical inactivity; the major determinants of physical activity participation; and the theoretical models most relevant for the design and implementation of any targeted intervention programs."
Description:
"The goal of the thesis was to investigate psychological functioning in CD at different stages of treatment with gluten-free (GFD), both cross-sectionally and longitudinally"
Description:
"The goal of the thesis was to investigate psychological functioning in CD at different stages of treatment with gluten-free (GFD), both cross-sectionally and longitudinally"
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:
"This study examined the internal (Study 1) and external (Study 2) validity of DSM-IV ADHD using children with primary ADHD diagnosis." -- abstract.
Description:
"This study examined the internal (Study 1) and external (Study 2) validity of DSM-IV ADHD using children with primary ADHD diagnosis." -- abstract.
Description:
"This study enquires into the accounting standard system in Australia and questions the appropriateness of its core democratic participatory vehicle, the due process. In doing so it highlights issues associated with self-regulating authorities and their policy making practices. The study is pertinent to the extent it reviews a major paradigm shift within the Australian public sector and more specifically local government financial reporting. Spanning the course of three decades it examines the reasons for such a paradigm shift, the major actors involved, the actual changes made and the effectiveness of those changes."
Description:
"This study enquires into the accounting standard system in Australia and questions the appropriateness of its core democratic participatory vehicle, the due process. In doing so it highlights issues associated with self-regulating authorities and their policy making practices. The study is pertinent to the extent it reviews a major paradigm shift within the Australian public sector and more specifically local government financial reporting. Spanning the course of three decades it examines the reasons for such a paradigm shift, the major actors involved, the actual changes made and the effectiveness of those changes."
Description:
"This is a creative thesis consisting of two parts; a major creative work in the form of a literary production, accompanied by an exegesis."
Description:
"This is a creative thesis consisting of two parts; a major creative work in the form of a literary production, accompanied by an exegesis."
Description:
The study descibes a KDD method that is being used by non-technical experts with mimimal training to discover and interpret patterns that they find useful for their role within their organisations.
Description:
The study descibes a KDD method that is being used by non-technical experts with mimimal training to discover and interpret patterns that they find useful for their role within their organisations.
Description:
The project undertaken entails an investigation of a metaphorical approach to the interpretation of 'comfort zones'. 'Agricultural Design' in the Southern Wimmera District of Victoria is the model that this investigation will be centered on. Carmel-Lorlea Merino Stud Farm, the place where I was raised, is what I consider might be the core of m y personal 'comfort zone'. The landscape is surrounded with agricultural architecture and mechanical objects, plus natural or man-made geographies, which when seen collectively and collaboratively, I trunk, creates a visual form of repetition. Also, I see farmers claiming and building gates to gain entry to what I believe will become or are their 'comfort zones'. From my own personal experiences, we tend to only repeat what we are comfortable with. As a result, there perhaps lies a metaphorical connection (for me ) between agriculture and the 'comfort zone'. The methodologies which I have used in order to attempt to establish where my comfort zone lies, have been: • To research the history of the land of the Southern Wimmera District, notably three towns - Landsborough, Navarre and Landsborough West. Each of these towns and their placement within the Southern Wimmer a District of Victoria forming an area that I believe ma y be the boundaries of m y 'comfort zone'. By discussing the history of the land in and around these towns , 1 intend to present a connecting overview between the developments of the land as well as the developments of the way which it has been utilized over time. In doing this , I am anticipating to conclude that from my personal interest and experience, the regions history has enabled m e to establish the deep connection that I have with the land and the stories that have derived from it. • To investigate this by studying not only the history and the boundaries of what I think is my 'comfort zone', but also forms of transportation and travelling between, in and around the boundaries. Travelling is a pertinent component to the 'comfort zone'; providing accessible opportunities to get in and out of the zone on a immediate basis (than on foot). I plan to share the experiences of travelling as (at times) metaphorical examples of entering and exiting the 'comfort zone', which will furthermore conclude that modes of transport are comfort zones in themselves and have carried m e through the boundaries of my comfort zone. • To develop visual concepts based upon the architecture, objects and landscape from the area under investigation. In doing so, I intend to display an Abstract Expressionist presentation of the connection between myself and what I have described as my personal 'comfort zone'. This will result in an exhibition that depicts not only the connection but also a visual understanding of the history, architecture, objects and landscape of the zone. • To present artists that have inspired and influenced m e as an artist throughout my research, discussing ho w I personally relate to their thoughts, opinions and approaches. I hope to conclude that m y personal understanding of each individual artists has been broadened and debated with conviction. • To use visual art media to create 2D and 3D artworks to interpret and represent my 'comfort zones' and their connections with the physical location under investigation.
Description:
Master of Arts (Visual Arts)
Description:
In this research project the author stresses the importance of her rural background in shaping her development as an artist.
Description:
The project undertaken entails an investigation of a metaphorical approach to the interpretation of 'comfort zones'. 'Agricultural Design' in the Southern Wimmera District of Victoria is the model that this investigation will be centered on. Carmel-Lorlea Merino Stud Farm, the place where I was raised, is what I consider might be the core of m y personal 'comfort zone'. The landscape is surrounded with agricultural architecture and mechanical objects, plus natural or man-made geographies, which when seen collectively and collaboratively, I trunk, creates a visual form of repetition. Also, I see farmers claiming and building gates to gain entry to what I believe will become or are their 'comfort zones'. From my own personal experiences, we tend to only repeat what we are comfortable with. As a result, there perhaps lies a metaphorical connection (for me ) between agriculture and the 'comfort zone'. The methodologies which I have used in order to attempt to establish where my comfort zone lies, have been: • To research the history of the land of the Southern Wimmera District, notably three towns - Landsborough, Navarre and Landsborough West. Each of these towns and their placement within the Southern Wimmer a District of Victoria forming an area that I believe ma y be the boundaries of m y 'comfort zone'. By discussing the history of the land in and around these towns , 1 intend to present a connecting overview between the developments of the land as well as the developments of the way which it has been utilized over time. In doing this , I am anticipating to conclude that from my personal interest and experience, the regions history has enabled m e to establish the deep connection that I have with the land and the stories that have derived from it. • To investigate this by studying not only the history and the boundaries of what I think is my 'comfort zone', but also forms of transportation and travelling between, in and around the boundaries. Travelling is a pertinent component to the 'comfort zone'; providing accessible opportunities to get in and out of the zone on a immediate basis (than on foot). I plan to share the experiences of travelling as (at times) metaphorical examples of entering and exiting the 'comfort zone', which will furthermore conclude that modes of transport are comfort zones in themselves and have carried m e through the boundaries of my comfort zone. • To develop visual concepts based upon the architecture, objects and landscape from the area under investigation. In doing so, I intend to display an Abstract Expressionist presentation of the connection between myself and what I have described as my personal 'comfort zone'. This will result in an exhibition that depicts not only the connection but also a visual understanding of the history, architecture, objects and landscape of the zone. • To present artists that have inspired and influenced m e as an artist throughout my research, discussing ho w I personally relate to their thoughts, opinions and approaches. I hope to conclude that m y personal understanding of each individual artists has been broadened and debated with conviction. • To use visual art media to create 2D and 3D artworks to interpret and represent my 'comfort zones' and their connections with the physical location under investigation.
Description:
Master of Arts (Visual Arts)
Description:
In this research project the author stresses the importance of her rural background in shaping her development as an artist.
Description:
"This thesis presents a new approach to cognitive diagnosis within the domain of algebra that has greater power than existing techniques."
Description:
"This thesis presents a new approach to cognitive diagnosis within the domain of algebra that has greater power than existing techniques."
Description:
"The purpose of this thesis is to develop and study new techniques for the mathematical modeling of dynamical systems and to apply these techniques to data classification problems. This approach is based on the notion of a fuzzy derivative. The main aim of the thesis is to examine this notion in data classification."
Description:
"The purpose of this thesis is to develop and study new techniques for the mathematical modeling of dynamical systems and to apply these techniques to data classification problems. This approach is based on the notion of a fuzzy derivative. The main aim of the thesis is to examine this notion in data classification."
Description:
The purpose of this study was to explore, through the use of a case study, the impact of an eight-week residential learning program upon self-concept, learning and understanding of community amongst adolescent participants. The study utilized multiple methods of data collection including interviews, focus groups, observation, the Learning Process Questionnaire and the Self-Description Questionnaire II in order to address the research question.
Description:
The purpose of this study was to explore, through the use of a case study, the impact of an eight-week residential learning program upon self-concept, learning and understanding of community amongst adolescent participants. The study utilized multiple methods of data collection including interviews, focus groups, observation, the Learning Process Questionnaire and the Self-Description Questionnaire II in order to address the research question.